No time was wasted with the arrival of our new GCC vehicle. Our first stop? The world-famous Kruger National Park, of course! Each group of Ambassadors (grades 10 & 11) from our partner high schools (Mahlale, Dayimani, & Sokisi) finally experienced the quintessential safari adventure: departing before sunrise, racing to Orpen Gate to beat the crowds, and embracing the gamble of game viewing in Kruger. Would they be rewarded with exciting wildlife sightings, or would the vast, untouched landscape stretch before them in serene stillness, devoid of a single moving creature?

Now we face a new challenge: Over 55% of youth in our regions, especially females, cannot find employment or further education after graduation.

If the students we’ve collectively inspired, trained and motivated cannot find employment and benefit from wildlife, we will not have achieved the ultimate goal of developing the next generation of local leadership in conservation. Therefore, this moment is particularly critical as our first cohort of Grade 12 students, whom we’ve nurtured since 2017, prepare to graduate. For seven years, we’ve watched these young conservationists grow from curious children into passionate wildlife advocates. To support their successful transition from high school towards gainful employment, we’re launching the Graduates program in 2025 – an after-school program for top performers. We’ve selected 15 outstanding Grade 12 students across our 3 High Schools and will provide them with dedicated coaching and mentoring to secure internships, higher education placement (university or trade school), and employment opportunities in 2026.

You may be wondering why Acacia Malope from Sokisi High is standing in front of a fancy car, and how it ties into a Kruger National Park experience… An unexpected highlight of the day was encountering the world’s largest solar-powered vehicle (The Solar Butterfly) that is currently on a 4-year-journey around the world. Our Future Rangers couldn’t resist the urge to connect with the owner of the Tesla, asking to be photographed with the car, while learning about the power of renewable energy.

To provide the Future Rangers with this classic Kruger experience is not only a proud achievement but the start of a tradition we intend to uphold as the program continues to grow.

To add to the vehicle’s capabilities, the Lumsden Family kindly donated specific funds to cover an engine upgrade, improved air conditioning, and the vital necessity of comprehensive insurance. On the ground, a massive thank you to Trophy Toyota Tzaneen for giving us a generous discount and funding the costs of a fully branded vehicle with the talented TZN Print Co. With this new set of wheels, we’re no longer limited by transportation challenges. We can visit schools more frequently, provide hands-on conservation experiences to more students, and ensure that every Future Ranger has access to the programs that inspire them to protect our planet. This is a major step forward for GCC, and we’re excited to see where the road takes us next!

This month, the Graduates (grade 12) have been engaged in career aptitude assessments and research activities while we continue forging connections to secure conservation-focused job-shadowing opportunities in the community. A special mention goes to Sokisi High School Graduate, Pricilla Thobela, whose poise and determination shone in an impromptu debate exercise. Pricilla exemplifies resilience in her pursuit of success, and we remain committed to supporting her on this journey.