If we can’t imagine a better world, how are we ever going to create it? Writing is an immensely powerful tool for sharing our experiences and shaping the world.
So says Sboniso Phakahti, the lead adjudicator of a pilot writing competition that invited learners from the Greater Kruger area to share their personal connections with nature. They were given the option to write letters to Mother Earth or journalistically styled articles on why wildlife matters. The initiative, titled Voices of Future Conservation Leaders, is part of the Khetha 2024 Story Project, aimed at enhancing media coverage of wildlife crime and conservation challenges in the region.
Genesis
“The pilot competition was designed to unearth unfiltered personal accounts from young people living near protected areas and provide insight into the stories and experiences that have shaped their views,” said Phakathi, who coordinates educational outreach activities for the Southern African Wildlife College (SAWC) under the Rural Enterprises for Sustainable Development (RISE) umbrella.
“It was also about encouraging young people to envision a future where taking care of nature and community development go hand in hand — and to start imagining possibilities for themselves within that,” said Robert Inglis, director of Jive Media Africa which manages the overarching Khetha 2024 Story Project.
Outreach
Following educational outreach presentations at schools within a 30 km radius of the college, learners had the July holiday to craft their submissions based on writing guides provided by Roving Reporters.
In total, 48 submissions were received. Out of these, 25 scripts from the following schools were shortlisted for prizes: Dayimani High School on the fringe of the Manyeleti Game Reserve, Mahlale High School in Welverdiend, Sokisi High School near Andover Nature Reserve, and Masingitana Secondary School and Moses Mnisi High School in Acornhoek.
Heartfelt submissions
Standout submissions included heartfelt reflections on the wonders of nature and calls to action to protect wildlife and natural resources. Among them were poignant apologies for humanity’s impact on the environment.
“Mother Earth, you provide us with everything we need—air, water, and food—yet we often neglect and harm you. We apologise for our negligence and pledge to reduce plastic use, conserve water, and promote recycling,” wrote Faith Mkansi, a Grade 11 learner at Masingitana High School.
“Dear Mother Earth, we have caused you great harm through pollution . . . Our commitment to protecting you is a step toward ensuring a healthier planet for future generations,” wrote Kendith Ntebogeng Mduli, a Grade 12 student from Dayimani High School. “When the competition began, I didn’t believe my English was good enough, but in taking part I gained more confidence and self-esteem,” said Mdluli.
In her prize-winning entry, Khanyi Penelope Sibiya, a Grade 12 student from Mahlale High School, provided a personal reflection on the calming influence of nature: “My connection with nature is profound. It offers peace and comfort, helping me feel grounded. The sights, sounds, and smells of the outdoors soothe my soul, reminding me of the world’s beauty,” wrote Sibiya.
“I want to be a teacher , and was so happy when I saw the Voices for Future Conservation Leaders poster at school. I like reading and writing stories, but I was also nervous because this was a competition,” says Sibiya.
Two other shortlisted finalists, Dzunisani Praise Mkansi from Moses Mnisi High School and Ntshuxo Ziane from Sokisi High School, also conveyed a deep appreciation for the natural world. Mkansi reflected on family outings as a young child: “Walking through the Andover Game Reserve, I was mesmerized by the cool air and the diverse trees. Observing colourful birds and experiencing nature’s changes deepened my appreciation and commitment to protect the environment. Nature has taught me patience and the importance of growth, inspiring me to respect it.”
Describing his personal connection to nature, Ziane wrote: “Nature is like a warm embrace from the earth, offering peace and comfort. It teaches perseverance and interconnectedness, reminding us that our actions impact the world around us. Preserving nature is vital for our planet’s health, and I hope others will appreciate and protect nature as I do.”
Prize giving
At an interactive prize-giving ceremony hosted at the Wildlife College, Ziane won the first prize, taking home R5,000. Second prize went to Mduli (Dayimani High School), who received R1,500, and the third prize was awarded to Sibiya (Mahlale High School). Runner-ups Dzunisani Mkansi (Moses Mnisi High School) and Faith Mkansi (Masingitana Secondary School) received R500 each. The remaining 20 shortlisted entrants each received R125.
Invited to a recent Khetha Game Changers gala event, Ziane choked up with emotion when addressing more than 58 leading conservationists who had gathered to pay tribute to unsung heroes in the Greater Kruger area. “I don’t have words. I was not expecting this,” said a tearful Ziane.
Reflecting on the outcomes, Jeanné Poultney the SAWC’s executive manager: marketing, fundraising and media relations, said: “Initially imagined as a slow-burning project, this initiative exceeded our expectations in both scope and success.”
“The high quality of submissions highlighted the students’ interest in conservation . . . It was a remarkable display of youthful understanding and environmental passion,” added Poultney.
Future plans
In follow-up engagements with Roving Reporters, Ziane and other prize winners expressed interest taking part in follow-up initiatives proposed by the SuperScientists and Write Away Magazine, a voice for young African writers.
To date, the SuperScientists programme has reimagined more than 60 scientists as superheroes to educate and inspire young people about the power and importance of science.
More recently, as part of the Khetha 2024 Story Project, Superscientists profiled Kruger wildlife veterinarian, Dr Lufuno Netshitavhadulu. He now features on more than hundred posters being distributed through Kruger National Park’s education programmes, alongside “trading cards” that give insight into his work.
On a Wildlife Warriors poster designed for young primary school learners, Netshitavhadulu states: “I didn’t even know what a wildlife vet was. Now I love it. Dehorning rhinos and darting animals from helicopters is intense and fun, but my favourite is saving animals from snares”.
He also provides poignant advice to learners. “My top tip: Nothing is easy, and nothing is impossible. Get out of your comfort zone and believe in yourself.”
“We were really excited extend our programme into the Greater Kruger,” said Justin Yarrow, the founding director of CodeMakers which drives the SuperScientists programme.
Yarrow now plans to link up with Write Away Magazine and Roving Reporters to develop on the success of the SAWC’s Voices of Future Conservation Leaders writing competition.
“Wildlife conservation, climate change, and other environmental issues are at the forefront for many young people,” said Yarrow. “Over the forthcoming December holidays we want to give school learners the opportunity to share their ideas and concerns, and do so in a way that lets loose all that creativity in them. We hope to get many different types of submissions – art, writing, poetry and more – and share their ideas across multiple platforms.”
“Write Away has already started engaging with the Voices of Future Conservation Leaders prize winners,” said Write Away editor Nyameko Bottoman. “And they are keen to take part”.
“What I liked the most was getting the chance to meet other people who also want to improve their writing skills and English,” said Mdluli. “Taking part in similar writing projects, will surely bring out the best in me.” – Roving Reporters
Editors note: Extracts from the prize-winning submissions for the Voices of Future Conservation Leaders writing competition were slightly edited for clarity.
The Khetha 2024 Story Project is supported by the World Wide Fund for Nature (WFF) and funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).
