Careers in Conservation Expo and Fun Day 2024:
“Connected Community Conservation; Our Shared Tomorrow”
On the 2nd October, the Global Conservation Corps, in partnership with the Timbavati Foundation, hosted our 4th annual Careers in Conservation (CiC) Expo and Fun Day at Moses Mnisi High School. Under the theme “Connected Community Conservation; Our Shared Tomorrow,” the event welcomed under 400 students from five high schools across the Bushbuckridge Municipality.
Bushbuckridge Executive Mayor and Member of the National Assembly of South Africa, Mrs. LM Moroane, graced the event with her presence, emphasizing the importance of education and local career opportunities. As a former teacher for 19 years, her encouraging words and passion for higher education left a strong impression on the students.
This year’s Careers in Conservation Expo brought together over 10 partner organizations who shared their expertise and opened students’ eyes to the exciting career opportunities in conservation.
The day featured a variety of interactive learning sessions, including a K9 demonstration by Control Gate Company, career tips from WildDreams Hospitality, and an inspiring keynote speech from Mbhoni Mzamani, host of the Careers in Conservation YouTube series. Students also enjoyed various presentations, a vibrant color splash, and an engaging musical performance by the local artist, Hisa wa Tiko.
This year’s Careers in Conservation Expo and Fun Day was a tremendous success, leaving a lasting impact on both the students and the community. Students interacted with leading heroes in the conservation, tourism, hospitality and wildlife sectors, who guided career conversations for these passionate students. The enthusiasm of the learners and the support of our partners reinforce the belief that conservation is a shared journey.
Together, we are helping to shape the next generation of conservation leaders, building a brighter future for our planet. This event would not have been possible without the support of our sponsors:
Sponsors:
- Acornhoek Mall Roots Butchery
- Acornhoek Spar
- Hoedspruit Spar
- Pick n Pay Hoedspruit
- Lebamba
- Elite Funerals
- Mpumalanga Tourism & Parks Agency
- Timbavati Foundation
- Acornhoek Bridgeway Wholesalers
Exhibiting Partners:
- University of Pretoria
- Koru Camp
- Southern African Wildlife College
- Eco Training
- Timbavati Foundation
- Wild Dreams Hospitality
- Umlani Bush Camp
- Kings Camp Lodge
- Singita Lowveld Trust
- Wildshots Outreach
- Sabi Sand Nature Reserve
- Sabi Sand Pfunanani Trust
- Conservation South Africa
- Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency
- Octopus Horse Riding
GCC’s Proud Finish at the 2024 Timbavati Traverse
We’re incredibly proud of the GCC team for their dedication and participation in this year’s Timbavati Traverse!
Our own Matt Lindenberg partnered up with Orlat Ndlovu (Head of Ranger Services at the Timbavati Private Nature Reserve) to tackle the 45km ultra marathon. After five hours of running, the duo crossed the finish line to secure second place, while Mbhoni Mzamani completed the 21km race with resilience and heart. Sightings included rhinos, elephants, hippos, hyenas and a single lion!
On the other side of the world, John Jurko ran virtually from the U.S., proving that no distance can separate a united effort for conservation.
All proceeds directly benefit these brave frontline defenders and the Timbavati Foundation’s educational programs.
If you’re keen to register for next year’s race, contact events@timbavati.co.za. A massive thank you to the TPNR for sponsoring the GCC team to partake in this life-changing event.
Mbhoni Mzamani Attends Africa Venture in Kenya
GCC’s very own Mbhoni Mzamani recently returned from Nairobi, where he participated in the Africa Venture course, run by Common Purpose. The course focused on strengthening citizen engagement to ensure Africa’s natural resources are managed sustainably for the continent’s long-term future.
Over several days, Mbhoni and his cohort visited conservation organizations, learning about innovative practices and new ways to collaborate across borders.
This experience left Mbhoni feeling inspired and eager to apply these lessons to help further GCC’s mission in wildlife and conservation advocacy.
RHINO MAN | Cape Town Premiere
7th November, 2024
As the RHINO MAN Premiere Tour comes to an end, we’ve got one final screening planned for 2024.
If you’re in the Cape Town area, join us at the Nu Metro Cinemas in Canal Walk at 18h30 on Thursday, 7th November, 2024. We’ll be joined by RHINO MAN Directors John Jurko and Matt Lindenberg for a Q&A following the screening, along with a few surprise guests.
Click the link below to secure your tickets:
Be Part of Our Future Rangers’ Journey
This month, we’re shining a light on Andzani Ubisi, a dedicated Future Ranger from Mahlale High School, who recently attended Koru Camp. Immersed in nature, Andzani participated in wildlife encounters and conservation activities that left a lasting impression, especially his memorable game drives where he saw elephants and impalas up close.
Andzani returned from Koru Camp more passionate than ever about conservation, ready to protect the environment and inspire others to do the same.
Sponsor a Future Ranger
Help us continue to provide transformative experiences for students like Andzani.
For $20 a month, you can support a student to enroll in the Future Rangers Program, which covers conservation lessons, dedicated career guidance, field trips, overnight experiences, transportation, meals, and access to our digital learning platform, Vumba.
Supporting the Future Rangers Program not only impacts these young conservationists but also gives you access to exclusive updates on their progress, both in the classroom and on the ground, where they experience the wonders of wildlife firsthand.
