Investing in a New Generation of Storytellers

For nine young women who had never been inside a game reserve, the Wild Shots Outreach initiative offered an opportunity to reconnect with nature, explore their creativity and be introduced to the possibility of pursuing a career in conservation.

Community, Cameras and Conservation

“I love that you can ‘freeze a moment’ that will never happen again. Like the buffalo that covered itself with mud – it tells a whole story without using words,” says Keketso Ndlovu.

As one of the nine participants of Wild Shots Outreach, Keketso spent four days learning about wildlife and conservation, using photography and storytelling as a way to connect with the biodiversity on her doorstep.

She says, “Before this course, wild places felt like they are just there for tourists. Now I see they are safe homes for OUR animals. If we lose these places, we lose part of being South African.”

Learning new skills

As a way of addressing the stark issue of unemployment in the rural areas,
Wild Shots Outreach uses the medium of photography to assist young adults from under-resourced communities to get in touch with their wildlife heritage.

With the support of The Royal Portfolio Foundation and the Field Guides and Trackers at Royal Malewane, the group took part in five fun interactive workshops. While the theory has its place, going out into the bush with cameras on a number of game drives was a huge highlight.

Charmaine Kobeni says, “I thought animals were scary and dangerous before I did Wild Shots Outreach. I loved learning new skills and about the conservation of Africa’s wild animals and wild spaces.”

The aim of the workshops is not only to give participants a chance to build new skills, but also to understand the value of the wildlife tourism industry when it comes to job creation. It’s also about building self-esteem and encouraging each person to explore their creative side.

Sacrifice Ndubane said taking part in Wild Shots Outreach was one of the best experiences of her life, and she was particularly proud of her shot of a young leopard in a pensive moment.

She says, “Being able to review my pictures makes me see my achievements. I believe that people from our local communities love nature, but they just don’t have the means to see or visit. The days spent here made me realise I love nature with all my heart, and now I know what I want to do with my future.”

More than photographic skills

Programme Director Rifumo Mathebula and Programme Assistant Vutivi Cibi (a former Wild Shots participant) say the group worked well together and there was “a great team spirit and camaraderie”.

Rifumo says, “For the first two days the young women were quite shy and not very confident to speak up. However, we saw a massive transformation from the third day onwards. They became much more engaged and really inquisitive, asking lots of questions about what they were learning, and we saw a big improvement in their photographic skills.”

Vutivi says, “A particular high point for us, as the trainers, were the amazing game drives we had at Royal Malewane. In particular, on the second day of running the programme, our Field Guide and Tracker found the Big Five on one drive!”

They are heartened that many of the group are keen to find out more about careers in conservation.

“Running these programmes means so much as it gives us the opportunity to make a positive change in the lives of young people from our communities,” says Vutivi. “We want to share our knowledge, give other young people like us this love of nature, and give them hope.”

The Perfect Base Camp

The group stayed at the Royal Malewane Conservation & Research Centre (CRC) – convenient and comfortable “headquarters” to workshop various themes, share photographs and experiences and hang out.

“The students loved being away from home (often for the first time), spending time together, making friends, hearing the animal sounds at night and feeling safe and at peace in nature,” Rifumo says.

Life Through A Conservation Lens

In addition to the camaraderie, boosted self-esteem and new friendships, it was also about celebrating each other’s efforts – including some magnificent wildlife photographs to take home and show the family and the community.

“I loved taking pictures so that other people can see what I saw,” says Pride Mbhetse. “I hope others will get the chance to know this wonderful course.”
Another participant, Nature Sekgonela, adds that photography has helped her to express herself artistically and show others the beauty of being out in the wilderness.

“Nature parks and reserves are so important because they ensure that future generations can enjoy and learn from our natural heritage,” she says.

Prosparrol Makhubela agrees, “The Wild Shots Outreach programme made me feel happy, excited and inspired. I loved capturing beautiful moments and learning more about nature and wildlife. We need to protect animals and nature because wildlife is part of Africa’s beauty, and its future.”