Responsible Traveller October / November 2014

October / November 2014

be the difference

Make a difference with responsible

Volunteer Tourism Voluntourism - the issues• Conservation & voluntourism Eco-friendly & socially engaged • Fairtrade Tourism in Madagascar

www.responsibletraveller.co.za

Your Holiday needn’t cost the earth: By choosing a Fair Trade Tourism certified business, you’re guaranteed a holiday experience that positively impacts employees, the community and the environment. So next time you are planning your holiday, look out for our striking label as a sign that the business has been certified by Fair Trade Tourism and is adhering to our strict standard.

You’ll leave not only relaxed and recharged, but feeling fulfilled and rewarded too.

For more information about Fair Trade Tourism; FTT certified businesses & how to become certified, please visit our website www.fairtrade.travel

Comment Welcome to another DIGITAL edition of Responsible Traveller…

This edition is one of celebration!

Fair Trade Tourism celebrates its 10th birthday and we celebrate the winners of the South African Lilizela Imvelo Awards, the World Responsible Tourism Awards and the Wild Asia Responsible Tourism Awards.

Fair Trade Tourism has much to celebrate on its 10th birthday of operations in Southern Africa… a number of its favourites hit the list of ‘Top 10 Responsible Tourism game lodges and guest houses’ on the South African Tourism website (check these out in our ‘Eco-friendly and socially engaged’ article) and the first five businesses in Madagascar were certified. It has been a privilege to be associated with FTT through the years and we celebrate with them.

The pros and cons of volunteer tourism have been discussed at length in recent months… well meaning travellers wanting to ’give back’ to communities and conservation – sounds simple, but there is a right, and a wrong way of going about this, a way that helps and empowers and a way that is self serving and inconsiderate (check out the insightful article written by Paul Miedema of Calabash Tours). We also look at conservation volunteering… where tourism and volunteering work together to benefit conservation.

Well, 2014 is virtually ‘done & dusted’ and 2015 is just around the corner. Goals are being set and plans are being made – just done forget to schedule in some leisure time to relax and be refreshed… and to travel, but always being mindful of the impact you’re making on your destination!

Enjoy the read… and be the difference.

tessa Magazine Information October / November 2014 Editor Tessa Buhrmann Cell: 083 603 9000 tessa@responsibletraveller.co.za Design & Layout Michele Mayer Cell: 082 934 6940 creativelink@mweb.co.za Advertising & editorial enquiries info@responsibletraveller.co.za Digital Subscriptions info@responsibletraveller www.responsibletraveller.co.za

Responsible Traveller Published by Spotted Mongoose Media CC (CK 2008/178482/23) Contact Details P.O. Box 3, Gillitts 3603 KwaZulu-Natal South Africa Tel: +27 31 7674022 Fax: +27 86 542 9615 Publication details Responsible Traveller DIGITAL is published monthly

Cover Image: Penguin Sanctuary at Betty’s Bay Overberg, Western Cape Pic - Tessa Buhrmann ©

Disclaimer Responsible Traveller is published by Spotted Mongoose Media CC. The information provided and the opinions expressed in this publication are done so in good faith and while every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of its contents, neither the managing editor nor the publisher can be held responsible for any omissions or errors; or for any misfortune, injury or damages that may arise. All rights are reserved and no material from this magazine may be reproduced without the written consent of the publishers.

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pg 08

Contents Awareness: Being a Responsible Traveller 06 Voluntourism - the issues

08

Places to Stay: pg 34

Eco-friendly & socially engaged

34

Fair Trade Tourism in Madagascar

50

Hotel Verde, Africa’s Greenest Hotel

56

Wildlife & Safari: Conservation & voluntourism 22

Adventures & Activities: pg 50

Volunteering with Great White Sharks 12

pg 22

www.responsibletraveller.co.za 04 responsible traveller

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Contents Making a Difference: Uthando - sharing the love

60

News: Kilimanjaro climb to cover farm workers’ Pre-School food bill 28 Celebrating the Future of Education...

Fair Trade Tourism celebrates 10 years of sustainability

pg 28

29 32

Lilizela Imvelo Awards for Responsible Tourism 54 World Responsible Tourism Awards 58 Wild Asia Responsible Tourism Awards 59 Regulars: Comment 03 Supplier Listing

62

pg 56

pg 34

www.responsibletraveller.co.za responsible traveller 05

Being a

Responsible Traveller

Responsible travel is a way of enjoying the many sights, experiences and memories of the destination you have chosen. It ensures that visitors and local communities alike share the benefits of tourism and travel equally, and it promotes greater understanding of and appreciation for fair and equitable business practice. Responsible travel is about putting back into travel what you get from it, and here are a few considerations that you could make when next you travel.

• Ask to see your tour operator's responsible travel policy.

• Ask to see the environmental policy of the accommodation establishment that you have selected – don’t be fooled by vague and unsubstantiated claims.

• Help the local economy by buying local produce in preference to imported goods.

• Ask your tour operator to establish the extent to which local communities enjoy benefits from your economic spend during your stay at a location.

• If bargaining to buy an item, bear in mind that a small amount to you could be extremely important to the seller – be realistic and fair.

• Realise that often the people in the country you are visiting have different time concepts, values and thought patterns from your own, this does not make them inferior, only different.

• Cultivate the habit of asking questions and discover the pleasure that you can enjoy by seeing a different way of life through others eyes.

• Use public transport, hire a bike or walk where convenient – you'll meet local people and get to know the place far better – always be safe and considerate.

• Use water sparingly – it is precious inmany countries and the local people may not have sufficient clean water – challenge any wasteful practice at your hotel or lodge.

• Switch Something Off – whenever you leave your room, switch unnecessary lights and equipment off and play your part in reducing greenhouse emissions.

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• Don't discard litter when visiting outof-the-way places and attractions, take it with you and dispose of it at your hotel or lodge. Waste disposal is often a major problem at outlying attractions and sites and it leads to litter and unhealthy environments for locals.

• Respect local cultures, traditions and holy places. For example, ask permission before you photograph local people – in some countries it can cause offence.

• Learn more about the cultural experiences that you are exposed to – avoid ‘sound-byte’ tourism and encourage tour operators to provide more insight into the dances, songs and traditionalexperiences that they present to you.

• Do not buy products made from endangered species, hard woods, shells from beach traders, or ancient artefacts (which have probably beenstolen). When visiting gift and curio shops, be aware of the source of the products on sale and if in doubt, don’t buy.

• Read up on the countries you plan to visit – the welcome will be warmer if you take an interest and speak even a few words of the local language.

• When you get home drop your tour operator a note to let them know how you got on.

Essentials: www.heritagesa.co.za www.fairtrade.travel www.trees.co.za www.rhinoafrica.com

RT

On your next holiday, consider the road less travelled..

Being a Responsible Traveller

Travelling can be stressful at most times, but responsible travel choices are a way of ensuring that your travels don’t stress the environment or host communities.

By choosing to be a responsible traveller, you are contributing to the sustainable future of Africa and to the long-term development of your host destination.

Next time you travel, select properties and facilities that have been independently certified on their social, cultural and environmental performance.

GreenLine is South Africa’s leading responsible tourism certification programme for accommodation facilities and our members are independently monitored to ensure that they meet the highest standard of responsible business practice in an effort to ensure that tourism benefits all.

learn more about your

destination, its people and cultures.

respect the dignity of others and ask before taking photo’s

dress appropriately, particularly at religious or cultural sites

dispose of your waste responsibly - recycle where possible

minimise your use of water and electricity

support local tour guides where available

don’t buy goods made from endangered or threatened species

support local entrepreneurs, crafters and curio shops

avoid giving cash donations - rather become involved or give in-kind Take only pictures, leave only footprints!

For more information on how you can be more responsible about your travel choices, visit www.greenline-rt.com today and help us make southern Africa the most responsible destination globally.

The Heritage Environmental Management Company tel: +27 012 667 6658 fax: +27 086 610 7120 e: info@heritagesa.co.za web: www.greenline-rt.com

Voluntourism

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hile many have celebrated the merging of service to others and its development with tourism, some criticisms have emerged, and correctly so. Things can get complicated when ‘for profit’ businesses get involved in eco or community based projects. Environmental and social sustainability are easily sacrificed at the altar of blatant greed in the tourism industry, which already has a global reputation for being brutally profit oriented at the expense of the environment and communities. Why should Volunteer tourism be any different?

The Issues - Negative Impacts There are two primary areas of concern when looking at this boom in volunteering. The first is the issues relating to legal compliance, and this is an issue within any sector in tourism.

We have seen over the years, as South Africa takes up its place in the market, more and more self-regulation. Violations among companies hosting volunteers include issues such as using game vehicles on public roads without permits, operating without sufficient passenger and public liability insurance, not having risk assessments in place, not having emergency procedures in place etc. The result of this is that when something does go wrong, or someone is injured, the operator has no plan, and the end result is a very poor reflection on the destination.

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Far more contentious are the potential negative impacts for communities and the environmental or conservation projects‌ and the blatant exploitation of well-wishing volunteer travellers.

What is of interest is that when booking a holiday, clients will ask for all kinds of details about where they will stay, the kind of transport, hotel etc.

However, for some unscrupulous operators, they sell a smoke and mirrors volunteer placement, talking vaguely about money into communities, the cost of research etc, obscuring the details, and making the volunteer feel uncomfortable about asking pointed questions.

So, like in any other travel transaction, there needs to be an education of the consumer. They

... the issues need to be encouraged to ask questions. There should be clarity about how much money goes where. Too often volunteers are told money goes into the community, only to be horrified when they find out 75% of the money stayed with the UK or US based agent!

To use Calabash Tours as an example, volunteers are told exactly how much money goes to the placement agency, how much money goes to transport, accommodation, project management, and finally exactly how much goes to the project. Furthermore, our volunteers, in consultation with the project, identify how the money is used.

For host communities, there are a number of issues that need to be considered in order to minimise negative impacts. A common occurrence is that communities, who are often eager for assistance, and vulnerable, are bullied or exploited by volunteer service providers.

An example would be when a project receiving volunteers has little say in the number of volunteers placed. This is not unusual. Very many of the source market agents will sell you a placement over the phone, or internet, as long

as you have that credit card handy. The result is sometimes a school with 10 or 12 GAP year volunteers hanging around with little to do other than get in the way of work being done. I have witnessed this in the townships of Port Elizabeth.

Community projects, be it schools, or community projects need to have the final say in who gets placed. Informed consent is critical. Otherwise who is being served? An oversupply of volunteers leads to a poor volunteer experience, for both volunteer and community. Another common problem is in how community needs are assessed. And whether individual volunteer skills are matched to community needs. Calabash Tours is not a believer in one size fits all volunteer programmes. I believe skills need to be matched to projects.

And I have serious doubts about certain volunteer projects that require no skill, but only labour. Lets face it, we have an unemployment rate of 40%, so cheap labour is not required – especially if it only serves the interest of someone who comes from a well resourced country to have an ‘experience’.

Volunteer programmes cannot be allowed to exist at the expense of local communities or local interests.

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‘volunteer projects, be it schools, or community projects need to have the final say in who gets placed. Informed consent is critical... otherwise who is being served?’

Freedom Square

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Locally based volunteer placement agencies need to be assessing needs in the community on an ongoing basis. Needs in development change, community needs are dynamic, so to have a placement that never changes reflects a lack of on-going needs analysis.

Are the locals served by the project asked for input around the placements? And what is the capacity of the local project to manage volunteers. These are important questions, which if ignored, result in negative, destructive, and sometimes irreversible impacts.

Another sensitive but critical issue is the screening of volunteers. We work with children in poor communities, and with vulnerable adults. What is the potential negative impact if we allow a sexual predator into that community or project? Not all volunteers come with pure intentions. We take our work placements seriously, so seriously that we want references from you before you come. And we check them, or rather our placement agency does. In the UK and many other countries to work with youth as a church leader, scoutmaster, soccer coach, whatever, you need a criminal screening. Why must we accept less in South Africa or other developing countries?

Positive Impacts…

Despite these potential negative impacts a well prepared, screened, skilled volunteer can make a tremendous positive impact in host communities. Our own experience has been that skills transfer, capacity building, as well as physical infrastructure can be provided by volunteer placements.

Furthermore, well-run volunteer placements can develop a level of social interaction and understanding that is profound. It can result in

the humanising of poverty, it can give a face to poverty and vulnerability that is real, and lead to a sense of a shared humanity.

It is often a life changing experience for the volunteer. An experience that shapes purpose and belief, and can shift consciousness towards the understanding of a shared humanity. It can, and does, lead to an understanding of our interconnectedness as people. This is a fundamental value of sustainable development.

It also can lead to a good understanding of community needs that in turn leads to effective travellers philanthropy. Again, our own experience attests to this.

Volunteers who have been well managed and have developed an understanding and a confidence in a community project where they have worked, are in a good position to go back to their own communities and leverage resources to the advantage of the community or project.

The fact that it is based on a real understanding of needs is often a critical success factor.

As a destination we offer tremendous scope for volunteer placements. As Calabash we see this as a potential growth area, and one we will pursue.

The market is large, and while competitive, South Africa offers the diversity of community, eco and marine opportunities of volunteer tourism few countries can match. However, if we do not self regulate this sector, the real threat exists the destinations will become stigmatised as an unethical, exploitative one. This would be a great loss, both to the tourism industry, as well as the many good projects currently benefiting from it. • Paul Miedema“

www.calabash.co.za

‘volunteer projects cannot be allowed to exist at the expense of local communities or local interests’ responsible traveller 11

Volunteering with...

Great White Sharks!

A

bucket list adventure for many is shark cage diving in Gansbaai, the Great White Shark capital of the world, which attracts thousands of tourists every year. The opportunity to be up close and personal with a legendary apex predator is for some the main reason they visit South Africa. Some choose to spend more time with the amazing Carcharodon carcharias and join the International Marine Volunteer Programme with Marine Dynamics Tours and the Dyer Island Conservation Trust established by owner Wilfred Chivell.

Wilfred is dreaming big dreams for the volunteers who he believes are integral to the business.

As he says, “many of them become family.�

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Image courtesy of Marine Dynamics Š

Biologist Alison Towner about to tag a Great White Shark responsible traveller 13

Image - Hennie Otto /SharkWatchSA.com Š

The Great White Shark - Carcharodon carcharias

Marine Dynamics is an internationally recognised leader in shark cage diving and shark conservation and together with sister company Dyer Island Cruises, both are Fair Trade certified since 2008, and live by their motto: Discover and Protect.

Every year thousands of international and local visitors are hosted on the custom designed cage diving boat, Slashfin. Every trip includes a marine biologist who ensures necessary data is logged and fin ID photos taken in order to build an effective database of the sharks in the bay.

And what a unique bay it is favoured by National Geographic, Discovery and BBC, all of whom the company works with.

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Situated near Cape Agulhas, the Southern tip of Africa, Kleinbaai in Gansbaai hosts an extraordinary marine environment. The colony of about 60,000 Cape Fur Seals on Geyser Rock at the centre of the Bay attracts one of the densest and most accessible populations of Great White Sharks in the world. Shark sightings are a daily occurrence throughout the year but despite their numbers and the frequent sightings, little research has been conducted on this Great White Shark population. Through Marine Dynamics sponsorship of the Dyer Island Conservation Trust (DICT), and funding raised from clients on a daily basis, this knowledge gap is being filled.

‘The main goal of the volunteer project is to provide a unique opportunity to work with Great White Sharks... for their conservation and the sustainability of marine biodiversity’

Volunteers on the dedicated research boat - Lwazi

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The Bay is also a vitally important breeding area for the Southern Right Whale: each year the Southern Right Whales migrate from their feeding grounds in Antarctica to breed here and to give birth - adult whales are seen between July and December each year either in mating groups or accompanied by recently born calves. Fortunately, boat-based access to these animals is strictly controlled with only a limited number of licences being given to responsible tour operators.

Dyer Island Cruises provides some of the best boat-based whale watching in the world and data collected provides the foundation for future research. In addition to Southern Right Whales there are also Humpback Whales and Brydes Whales while large pods of various dolphin species also visit the Bay. Dyer Island, sitting in the middle of the Bay is one of the important breeding colonies of African Penguins around the coast of the Cape. The habitat of this charming bird was largely destroyed in the 19th and early 20th centuries when guano was stripped from the islands.

This removed the soft ground into which the penguins could burrow leaving eggs and chicks exposed to predators and the elements. Coupled with the historical harvesting of their egg as a delicacy, overfishing and marine pollution this has caused the population to fall by almost 90% in the last 100 years and it is now at an all-time low.

Image courtesy of -bSabi Sabi Š

Dyer Island and Geyser Rock with the renowned Shark Alley in between

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The main goal of the volunteer programme is to provide a unique opportunity to work with the Great White Shark for those passionate about the marine environment or those in this field of study, encouraging biologists of the future and creating ambassadors for the conservation of the great white shark and the sustainability of marine biodiversity.

Starting small in 2007, now more than 700 volunteers have been hosted to date.

In fact, the first volunteer in 2007, Oliver Jewell, went on to do his Master’s with Marine Dynamics and DICT on the foraging ecology of white sharks at Dyer Island. No other shark cage diving company can lay claim to having supported three students through their Master’s.

Michelle Wcisel studied the effects white shark presence has on Cape fur seal movements at Geyser Rock. Alison Towner who has been with Marine Dynamics for many years has completed her Masters on the environmental influences and changes over time (2007 to 2011) on Great White Sharks in Gansbaai. Alison has also worked on the wound-healing rates of great white sharks and is currently pursuing her PhD. On board the dedicated research boat Lwazi (seeking knowledge in Xhosa) Alison and her team are tagging and tracking the great white sharks, the only company to be doing so. Marine Dynamics and DICT released the first

‘Every trip includes a marine biologist who ensures necessary data is logged and fin ID photos taken in order to build an effective database of the sharks in the bay...’ responsible traveller 17

Volunteers working on Penguin homes

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study on the population of Gansbaai’s white sharks which revealed a lot less than was assumed to spend time in the area. This type of research is critically important in driving conservation decisions at government level.

The volunteers learn about this through a dedicated series of lectures or direct involvement. Those volunteers who are studying or show great commitment are the first to be rewarded with time on conditions and studies allow. All in all DICT has been involved in the publication of eighteen scientific papers to date.

On a daily basis, volunteers spend time on Marine Dynamic’s shark cage diving vessel learning about the shark’s biology and behaviour while working with the on board marine biologist and educating and assisting visitors. Trips run daily (weather permitting) going out once to twice a day on average and volunteers are allocated to each trip. Enjoying the first trip as a client, thereafter they are tasked with duties (depending on the person’s skills set and marine related studies) but where opportunity allows will get to spend time eyeing out the Great White from the cage.

Volunteers may assist with observational data capture and photographic data and may be involved with water sampling, temperature testing etc. If on the research boat, learning to use the VR100 for tracking a shark may be on the cards. On

‘specially designed nests have been placed on the island to provide the African Penguin with sheltered homes...’

land data capture and how to match fins for population counts may be assigned to marine biology students. Lectures also cover safety at sea and knot tying so all in all a true marine experience. Volunteers who are passionate about whales can work more on the Dyer Island Cruises whale boat, Whale Whisperer. Ocean conservation projects and community outreach further enhance the volunteer experience.

The DICT’s multi-award winning project to research and curb the worrisome decline in the African Penguin population on Dyer Island (90% decline in 30 years) is aimed at protecting these endangered species indigenous to South Africa from environmental factors and natural predators. The removal of the guano on the island, which they nested in, left them vulnerable. More than 2,000 specially designed nests/homes have been manufactured and placed on the island and at other breeding colonies to provide them with sheltered homes to protect them from heat stress and the fledglings from predatory birds such as the Kelp Gull.

Volunteers sometimes have the opportunity to work at one of the penguin colonies. Very exciting is the latest DICT project which is the African Penguin & Seabird Sanctuary (APSS), being built on the same premises as the volunteer lodge (a stunning lodge with four chalets, Sea bird rescue

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a swimming pool, vegetable garden and games area). This sanctuary will accommodate birds in distress from the closest two colonies and surrounds and will be another project that volunteers can assist with.

DICT is the first port of call for marine animals in distress and Marine Dynamic’s owner Wilfred Chivell is part of the SA Whale Disentanglement Network. When whales or dolphins are stranded in the area, DICT will attend to do sampling and measurements. As opportunities arise, volunteers are included where possible, depending on the sensitivity of the situation. Other projects include half yearly bird counts and a weekly shark egg collection programme learning about other shark species.

The unique fishing line bin project aims to reduce fishing line in the environment but most of all has become an icon for marine pollution efforts. The project is recognised by WESSA and the Blue Flag beach programme nationwide (Whale Whisperer was the first Blue Flag approved whale boat). Volunteers may be instrumental in the making of these special bins or cleaning of the fishing line for recycling. The focus is on education and many volunteers enjoy the opportunity to work with children from the local schools doing beach clean ups where data is collated and fed through to a national and international database.

Dyer Island Conservation Trust enjoys sponsorship from Volkswagen SA with additional sponsors coming on board in support of the penguin sanctuary.

Marine Dynamics was shortlisted for Best Responsible Wildlife Experience in World Responsible Tourism Awards 2013 and long listed in 2014; won the Overstrand Mayor’s Environmental Award 2009/2012; plus various other awards to Wilfred Chivell.

All efforts are made across the Trust, companies and the volunteer lodge for environmental sustainability. Specifically for the volunteers this includes recycling; a vegetable garden; removal of alien vegetation which is passed onto the local community for firewood; as well as the regular beach clean ups and marine educational projects with local schools.

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The biggest success of the programme has been in the personal development of volunteers. The return rate to the programme is high and many have also become marine guides with the companies. Others have held presentations in their home towns or e even undertaken fundraising for shark t or even undertaken fundraising for shark research with some of the projects being adopted abroad.

The volunteers are exposed to some incredible experiences and people. Led by a passionate team this programme revolves around conservation, research and education but most of all it is pure adventure and a whole lot of fun. • Brenda du Toit unteers.com

www.sharkwatchsa.com www.whalewatchsa.com www.dict.org.za A volunteer on a beach clean up

‘The unique fishing line bin project aims to reduce fishing line in the environment but most of all it has become an icon for marine pollution efforts...’

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Conser vation & voluntourism...

Images - Stew Nolan Somkhanda Game Reserve Š

working together

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W

hen African Insight agreed to partner with the Gumbi Community’s 12,000ha Somkhanda Game Reserve in Zululand, the challenge was to develop and manage a tourism business based on its experience in conservation tourism. This required broadening its existing primary focus, of providing academic field trips to overseas universities and colleges, to embrace other areas of youth travel and conservation tourism under the banner of ‘Science on Safari’.

For a community owned game reserve the challenge of gathering the necessary ecological data, required to inform even the most routine management decisions, is a huge task. The formal government conservation agencies, who provided this assistance free of charge in days gone by, are today only just maintaining their own reserves. So a creative solution needed to be found.

Operating in the academic tourism space enabled African Insight to develop a model to address this challenge and secure ‘quality’ students and interns – the result being the establishment of a number of internship/volunteering opportunities on the reserve. Tasks include the monitoring of key biological components thereby gathering the field data needed to inform a variety of management decisions on the reserve in responsible traveller 23

addition the interns and volunteers are provided with real work experience, which every employer is looking for in a job applicant.

African Insight could not do this without the valuable and ongoing support of donors and partners who assisted with the initial investment in equipment needed to undertake these research and monitoring projects. Once established, the volunteer / internship business model sustains the ongoing maintenance and replacement of equipment. Some new volunteering opportunities in consideration are: wild dog monitoring, community service in ‘Operation Nguni’, an ambitious project to assist the local community with the dipping (to help eradicate ticks) of 2,000 community cattle each week, and internships in hospitality and tourism.

Let’s hear from volunteers…

a

couple

of

the

“Hello travellers!

I am Manuel from Germany an intern with African Insight at Somkhanda to the middle of December.

Many students in my country go directly from school to university, to enter the business world as fast as possible. For me this wasn’t an option, because I wanted to help people do practical work with amazing animals in another country. That’s why I decided to start an internship with African Insight.

The current projects we are implementing are: 1. We monitor the leopards with camera traps set up all over the reserve and always position them in pairs, so that we take pictures of both sides of the animal which allows us to clearly identify each leopard.

Besides the leopards we catch a lot of other animals’ pictures, so you never know what you actually going to see.

2. My main objective in the last week was the creation of a detailed road map of the reserve – we need to know all about our road network for security, management and tourism uses. The practical work was very nice, as I had to drive through the whole reserve on a quad with a GPS tracker. I saw so many hidden places and tracks tourists never see. After this very pleasant practical part, I sit down in front of the computer to classify and categorise the routes, as the aim is to create different detailed maps for the tourists to make travelling in Somkhanda easier.

After this short summary of my two main projects at the moment I want to encourage everyone thinking about an internship to do this, either here in Somkhanda with African Insight or somewhere else, because the experiences you gain are amazing and the insights are more detailed than every tourist can think of.

My personal travel tip: Leave your camera at home and experience this amazing area and its beautiful animals with your own five senses.”

When I arrived here in the middle of September, I expected nothing but a tent. These expectations have been exceeded – my accommodation is a beautiful rondavel with warm water, a shower, a fridge and every other luxury I hadn’t been thinking of. On top of that every morning starts with giraffes, wildebeests and other animals directly in front of my house.

I think this beautiful and peaceful view during breakfast every day is a highlight and the thing I will miss the most when I head home.

After this amazing start to the day I am involved in many amazing working experiences…

In the last two weeks for example, we sprayed the cattle of the nearby community with an anti-tickspray, game-captured Nyala to be sold and relocated, fed the wild dogs, set up a solar panel and much more. We were also lucky enough to be able to join a rhino darting project, where we darted and collared a white rhino for security and tracking purposes. This was very special as it was not something that I ever thought that I would be able to take part in, and it is very rare to be able to be involved in something like this, so hands-on and as part of a team. It was the highlight of my trip, and something that I will treasure for the rest of my life!

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Manuel on the quad bike detailing the road system within the Reserve

‘Operation Nguni’ is an ambitious project to assist the local community with the dipping of 2,000 community cattle each week to help eradicate ticks...

Manuel spraying the cattle

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Rhino darted for dehorning

‘The most exciting experience for me till now was definitely taking part in the dehorning of a white rhino’ CHRISTOPHER PRUESS

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Chris with removed rhino horn

“My name is Christopher Pruess, I am 25 years old and from Düsseldorf, Germany.

Why volunteering? I am currently enrolled in the Bachelor Degree program “Natural Area- and Regional Management” at the University of Applied Forest Sciences Rottenburg in Germany. Part of this degree program is an internship of five months which I am fulfilling right now with African Insight and the Wildlands Conservation Trust at the Somkhanda Game Reserve. So the initiative for the internship/ volunteer work was given by my university, but the decision to spend my internship working for African Insight and Wildlands Conservation Trust in Somkhanda was driven by passion.

I always was fascinated by South Africa and its nature and wildlife, so as I started to apply for internships as I knew that I want to spend it at a South African game reserve. You get so much more out of your stay in a foreign country if you actually live and work there, rather than out of a plain holiday. The other reason for choosing to spend my internship with volunteer work is that I now have the ability to help a lot while I learn a lot. Every new project gains new experiences and every day’s work is done for a reason and not just to keep you busy.

My expectations - Luckily my expectations for this internship are fulfilled. I chose African Insight and Wildlands Conservation Trust for my internship because I wanted to work out in the field everyday instead of sitting the whole day inside an office like the most of my fellow students which stayed back in Germany do.

Highlights - Without lying I can say that my whole stay at Somkhanda is a highlight for me.

From the moment I arrived I felt welcome and as a full-value member of the Somkhanda Game Reserve community. And also the place its self creates unique experiences for me everyday like having breakfast outside my accommodation with giraffe right next to me having their breakfast as well. But the most exciting experience for me till now was definitely taking part in the dehorning of a White Rhino. Getting so close to a wild living animal of this size and being able to touch it is just indescribable!

Contribution – To make a contribution here is not hard because you can find someone who is happy to get a helping hand every day. The first weeks of my stay I spent a lot of time with the Anti-Poaching Unit and their daily tasks like doing patrols in- and outside the reserve by foot or driving. Last week I had to step in for sick guide at another game reserve because there was a German tourist group which needed a translator. And at the moment I am busy working on to different projects. One is to create an accurate map of the reserve fence and checking for damages, the other is working with camera traps for the wildlife documentation.

Travel Tips: •

• • •

Depending on the duration of your stay (if longer than 90 days) it is important to apply for a visa as soon as possible. The process of visa application can be very frustrating and time intensive.

Buy yourself a pair of comfortable boots because you will be out in the field a lot Leave some space in your luggage, you will find lots of stuff you want to take back home But most important: Don`t forget your camera!

www.africaninsight.co.za

‘I chose African Insight and Wildlands Conservation Trust for my internship because I wanted to work out in the field everyday ’ CHRISTOPHER PRUESS

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What’s news...

Kilimanjaro climb to cover farm workers’ Pre-School food bill To fund the food bill of a Durbanville farm workers’ pre-school, the principal of the Môresterretjies crèche, Sandra Wessels, and a friend, Melinda du Plessis, will be climbing Kilimanjaro in December.

They have reached their goal of raising R5 895 for each child, an ideal inspired by the Kilimanjaro’s height of 5 895m, amounting to R129,690 for the 22 children. In addition, the Durbanville Hills Trust has donated R14,000’s worth of hiking equipment needed for their climb.

The Môresterretjies crèche, established in 2010 on the farm Morgenster that belongs to one of the members of Durbanville Hills Wines, takes care of the well-being and early-learning development of farm workers’ children between the ages of three and five.

The pre-school was started by certain community groups including the Kenridge Dutch-Reformed Church, the social services organisation BADISA and the Durbanville Hills Trust, established in 2000 by Durbanville Hills Wines to improve the quality of life of the workers and their children on surrounding farms. The trust has put in place a number of community projects, mainly dealing with education and skills development.

In recognition of the outstanding work the cellar has been doing in this regard it received the Ethical Award at the international 2011 The Drinks Business Awards.

The team departs on 16 December and will be back on 23 December. Although the children are too young to understand the location and size of Kilimanjaro, Sandra and Melinda hope to inspire them in realising their own potential to succeed The children of Môresterretjies crèche join in on the training for Kilimanjaro

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in life regardless of background or circumstances.

“We drew a picture of a massive mountain and as the donations came flooding in, we coloured in a different part of the mountain. All of it has now been coloured in thanks to the generosity of the public, community organisations and companies.

One of the companies, Omni-HR, donated R50,000!

“We’ve included the children in the project right from the start and encouraged them to ‘practice with us’ by climbing one of the small hills close to the school. They are now as excited as we are about Kilimanjaro!”

Preparation for the climb includes strenuous cardiovascular exercise, activities that come more naturally for Sandra than Melinda. ”Being active is certainly not something that I’m used to!” says Melinda. “Sandra is very adventurous and is always out on her mountain bike or taking part in triathlons. As for me, I haven’t even done a twoday walk let alone climbed a mountain! I still have a lot of training to do before we leave but I’m very excited about the challenge and look forward to reaching our goal.”

If anyone wishes to donate equipment, food supplies such as biltong, dried fruit and energy bars, or contribute to the 2016 fund already started, they can do so by contacting Sandra or Melinda on 076 788 9955 or 084 668 1082. •

Follow their journey on FACEBOOK by visiting Môresterretjies Conquer Kili Fundraising Effort.

What’s news...

Celebrating the Future of Education with Mysmartkid and Home from Home

Mysmartkid – an early childhood development programme – recently selected Home from Home as their CSI partner, celebrating this occasion with the children of Home from Home’s Daycare Centre in Khayelitsha.

Launched by Leisure Books, a division of Media 24 and leader in the field of member-based subscription programmes in South Africa, Mysmartkid is based on ‘play and learn’ and aimed at children aged between 0 – 6 years. With input from a panel of early childhood development experts, Mysmartkid helps parents and caregivers to focus on a child’s development and reach certain milestones through the use of ageappropriate toys, tools and activities which are delivered in ‘Smartboxes’ every two months.

Head of Marketing for Mysmartkid, Adrian Kaplan, comments on the partnership with Home from Home, “We admire the phenomenal work Home from Home does in our local communities, and are proud to be associated with them. While the children at the Daycare Centre in Khayelitsha may face additional circumstantial challenges, we are thrilled to be able to assist in supporting their early educational needs”.

Home from Home provides supported and supervised community-based foster care for orphaned, abused, neglected and vulnerable children through a network of small, family homes in disadvantaged communities in South Africa.

In addition to their network of foster homes, their Daycare Centre in Khayelitsha provides a safe place for the children from the surrounding community to learn and grow.

Says Pippa Shaper, Development Director and co-founder of Home from Home, “As education is such a long-term project, we are keenly aware of the impact and importance of a solid educational foundation for our children. The educational toys and tools that Mysmartkid has provided will go a long way in helping the crèche’s teachers to ensure our children’s learning process is both fun and interactive.”

The partnership between Home from Home and Mysmartkid was cemented last week at the Khayelitsha Daycare Centre, where both teams enjoyed a day in the sunshine with the children. A morning filled with treats and a visit from Mysmartkid’s friendly owl, ended with the handover of more than 70 educational toys to the Daycare Centre.

Concludes Kaplan, “Our team loved the opportunity to spend time with the kids at the Daycare Centre and introducing them to the Mysmartkid educational toys and tools. We can’t wait to see the impact the Mysmartkid programme has – and the bright future that awaits them.” •

www.mysmartkid.com responsible traveller 29

www.fairtrade.travel

Fair Trade Tourism has been operating the world’s first and still the only Fair Trade Tourism certification programme for the past ten years. In December 2011 the programme became the first tourism certification programme in Africa to be recognised by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council. FTT promotes responsible and sustainable tourism in southern Africa and beyond, the latest additions being five businesses in Madagascar, Salary Bay, Hotel Le Paradisier, Mantasoa Lodge, Bush House and Tsara Camp.

To mark this important milestone FTT partners and friends had this to say:

The new Fair Trade Tourism logo has since been filed in South Africa, Madagascar and Mozambique, no doubt as the first steps in a greater plan. Over the years we have also been called on to provide input on the corporate side.

I cherish the opportunity of becoming a friend of some of the team members, sharing their excitement and passion, and simply being around really lovely people.” - Nelia Hickman, Adams and Adams

“We congratulate our friends and colleagues from FTT on their 10 year anniversary and especially for the work done in establishing the first fair trade model for the tourism industry in the world! We work closely together developing the market for fair trade and increasing awareness among consumers. It has been wonderful to work with likeminded organisations like FTT, who have a vision to transform the world into a more equal and sustainable place! Cheers to another 10 years!” - Arianna Baldo, Fairtrade Label South Africa (FLSA) “arbeitskreis tourismus & entwicklung (AKTE) warmly congratulates FTT to its ten years of impressive activity.

We feel proud of this pioneer organisation of the global South for having developed a Fair Trade Labelling system for tourism that merits and enjoys recognition at the key positions of the tourism industry. It has always been an honour for us, as a voice from the global North, to be part of the development of the standards and the labelling system an in helping FTT to gain access and get established within the international tourism industry. We are happy to keep assisting FTT to become a feature in the source markets. We wish our sister organisation in South Africa all the best and lots of energy to further develop the solid standards of Fair Trade Tourism as a leading model for socially and ecologically sustainable tourism in Southern Africa and globally.” - Nina Sahdeva and the AKTE team “In 2004 I felt privileged to meet the founders of FTTSA (now called FTT) at our offices, then in Hatfield. During the course of a number of sessions, we helped them crystallize their early vision, and the purpose for which they would be needing trademarks. Their excitement was infectious when, in 2005, they presented me with their new baby, the trademark Fair Trade in Tourism South Africa logo which was subsequently registered in the SADC countries.

From time to time, I had the pleasure of impromptu chats over coffee at our offices, catching up on the latest developments. And developments there certainly were.

A larger, professional group, all sharing the same energy and passion for community development through FTTSA certification. An updated logo had to be developed for use further afield. One of the pleasures of my job as a trade mark attorney is to provide input during the trade mark development phase, and here I had ample opportunity.

“The City Lodge Hotel Group congratulates Fair Trade Tourism on its 10th Anniversary, although its roots go back even further to 2001. Over this period, the organisation has played an extremely valuable role in promoting many aspects of fairness in the broader tourism industry, all of which are strongly endorsed by our group. As a highly involved and committed corporate citizen, we have adopted Fair Trade Tourism’s principles throughout our operations and are signatories to the Tourism Child Protection Code of Conduct. Championing the cause of fair and sustainable tourism is a very worthwhile initiative which benefits the vitally important tourism industry and plays a crucial role in the broader upliftment and ongoing progress of our society and our economy in a competitive and demanding international environment. We applaud Fair Trade Tourism for their efforts thus far and look forward to being a strong partner with them in the years ahead. “ Angus Macmillan, City Lodge Hotel Group.

“Congratulations from Chile. Keep going another 10, 20 and more years”. - Eugenio Yunis A, The United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO)

What’s news...

Fair Trade Tourism celebrates 10 years of sustainability!

Fair Trade Tourism (FTT) hosted friends, partners and a number of certified FTT-certified businesses to a celebratory cocktail function at the FTTcertified Leriba Hotel & Spa’s Hemingway’s Restaurant recently.

The birthday bash was an opportunity to celebrate their successes – from the small beginnings of an IUCN pilot project to the recent certification of five businesses in Madagascar. As MC Paul Miedema (Managing Director, Calabash Tours) said, it was an opportunity to celebrate FTT’s work into communities and for the resulting social, environmental and economic justice.

Des Mahoney (Board Member and Non-Executive Director, FTT) was impressed with FTT’s passion for the tourism industry, with the way in which they have as an organisation built momentum and grown, and especially the people involved.

South Africa’s Tourism Minister Mr. Derek Hanekom was unfortunately unable to attend, but his congratulatory message conveyed his appreciation of FTT’s “decade of commitment to the tourism industry”. His message concluded with a comment that the National Department of Tourism is “committed to tourism and sustainability”.

Jennifer Seif (Executive Director, FTT) reiterated FTT’s commitment to “taking Africa’s challenges into the global arena” and to “using certification to drive a better tourism industry”. Reflecting on what FTT had achieved in their first 10 years as well as on what they could achieve in the next, Jennifer said “success is measured in what businesses are doing for their staff, community and South Africa”.

She was proud to say that “FTT is a tiny NGO on the tip of Africa that is taken seriously globally” and that “FTT will inspire the world”.

Heidi Newton-King (Sustainability Director, Spier Holdings) said “we consider ourselves partners with FTT” and Ashley Wentworth (CEO, Stormsriver Adventures and co-founder, Canopy Tours SA) said that it had been a “wonderful 10 year journey” that had made a huge impact on unemployment in the region (Eastern Cape).

Michel Girardin (Shiluvari Lakeside Lodge) said he was proud to have been one of the first FTT -certified businesses – these being Shiluvari Lakeside Lodge, Spier, Sabi Sabi and Stormsriver Adventures, and pointed out that South Africa was the first country in the world to utilise Fair Trade in the tourism industry. Peet du Preez (CEO, 32 responsible traveller

Leriba Lodge) commented that FTT is “adding value to an industry that seriously needs it!”

Greg McManus (Chairperson, Sustainable Tourism Certification Alliance Africa) said that FTT was “a catalyst for bringing sustainability and responsible tourism issues to the front”, and that they “carried the flag” in bringing awareness. In addition FTT was instrumental in the establishment of the Alliance which offers a “multinational approach to responsible tourism, making Africa more sustainable in the long term”. He said that FTT had a “tremendous future in presenting Africa to the world” and in his capacity as Managing Director, Heritage Environmental Management Company, said they were proud partners with FTT in conveying the “responsible tourism message”.

Another significant achievement of FTT has been bringing “The Code’”(The Tourism Child Protection Code of Conduct) to South Africa. Marcel Kobilski (Divisional Director, Human Resources, City Lodge Group) shared his thoughts around the impact that being a member of The Code makes – from the commitment to “no sexual abuse allowed on our premises”, to the responsibility of promoting awareness to guests and the education of staff.

No NGO can operate without significant funding, and FTT has had to adapt to the available resources throughout its 10 years of operation. A proud partner and supporter has been the Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs, whose generous funding has enabled FTT to have a significant impact and outreach. Markus Schrader (Head of Economic Cooperation and Development, Embassy of Switzerland) commented that they looked forward to seeing “Fair Trade Tourism journey from Cape to Cairo in the next 15 years”. •

www.fairtrade.travel

Jennifer Seif (FTT Executive Director) with Greg McManus (MD Heritage Environmental Management Company) and Virginia McManus Des Manohey (FTT Non-Executive Director)

‘Fairtrade Tourism is a tiny NGO on the tip of Africa that is taken seriously globally...’

Kathy Bergs (FTT General Manager) speaking to Kagiso Tlhobolo (Senior Manager: Tourism Standards, SAN Parks L-R: Buhle Mhlope (FTT, Research Assistant to the Executive Director; Bekithemba Langalibalele (Director: Responsible Tourism at NDT);Malebo Rammekoa (FTT Stakeholder Communications Assistant)

Paul Miedema speaking to Kagiso Tlhobolo (Senior Manager: Tourism Standards, SAN Parks) while Jacopo Bianchini looks on (he is in SA doing research for his Master’s Thesis on “State and impacts of tourism development in TFCAs in Southern Africa”)

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Image - Chris Marais ©

Shiluvari Lakeside Lodge

Eco-friendly & socially engaged…

S

outh Africa has much to offer the traveller looking for an eco-friendly and socially engaged game lodge or guest house… with experiences ranging from art and culture to food and wine; indigenous forests and tumbling waterfalls to the ‘Big Five’.

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SHILUVARI LAKESIDE LODGE in Limpopo is a pioneer in Fair Trade Tourism. This comfortable, thatched lodge overlooks the waters of the Albasini Dam and is a good place to base yourself if you are interested in exploring this part of the world. It is also a very popular base from which to explore the world-famous Ribolla Venda Art Route.

It’s only when you start talking to staff, examining the décor and noticing the care for environment that you’ll begin to understand the reasons behind Shiluvari’s certification by Fair Trade Tourism, an organisation that guarantees your host pays fair wages, offers fair working conditions, and runs a fair operation that respects cultures, human rights and the environment.

Shiluvari staff are not only well paid, but exude a contented sense of ownership in the business.

They are offered training opportunities and a chance to rise in their careers, and so they have flourished along with the lodge.

The Girardin family, who owns Shiluvari, have also helped many of the local sculptors become more established. Many were commissioned for the sculptures and wooden carved objects you’ll find around the lodge. In fact, many famous Venda artists, like Noria Mabasa, Sarah Munyai, Justice Murathi, Thomas Khubayi, had their start here.

But it’s not only about the spectacular art. The cupboards in the rooms, for example, were made by the Rivoni Society of the Blind. Much of the fabric is locally painted or decorated. And many plants dotted about the gardens and lodge grow happily in locally made Mashamba Venda pots with their characteristic red clay and silvery graphite trim.

A local sculptor

‘It is a very popular base from which to explore the worldfamous Ribolla Venda Art Route...’

Image - Chris Marais ©

SHILUVARI LAKESIDE LODGE

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Images - Leshiba Wilderness ©

Leshiba Wilderness

Sculptures at the entrance

LESHIBA WILDERNESS is a nature and game reserve at the top of Limpopo’s Soutpansberg Mountains, South Africa’s northernmost range.

The name Soutpansberg means ‘mountain of salt’ and is derived from the salt pans that lie to the north of the mountain range.

Leshiba Wilderness is a nature and game reserve featuring a mix of indigenous forests and open plains, with dramatic gorges, tumbling waterfalls and amazing views too. You can go hiking in the mountains, walk amongst wild animals, visit ancient rock art sites and enjoy a sundowner game drive.

Leshiba Wilderness is a sanctuary for a variety of wildlife, including giraffe, zebra, wildebeest and white rhino. Go on a guided walk or drive with 36 responsible traveller

‘You can go hiking in the mountains, walk amongst wild animals, visit ancient rock art sites and enjoy sundowner game drives’ LESHIBA WILDERNESS

one of Leshiba’s game rangers and learn more about the habitat, the plants, the animals and the area’s history.

This game reserve also has a series of rock art paintings, a legacy of the San people who were originally attracted here by the nearby salt pans.

You can also go on one of many hiking trails that take you through different parts of the nature reserve – gorges, forests, mountains and grassy plains.

Leshiba boasts has different accommodation options: the Venda Village Lodge, Hamasha Bush Camp and the Indigenous Knowledge Centre, with either full board or self-catering options.

Hamasha Bush Camp overlooks a wild and remote gorge, while the Indigenous Knowledge Centre is

best for group accommodation and is perfect for workshops, retreats and conferences.

Leshiba Wilderness forms part of the 90,000ha Soutpansberg Mountains Conservancy, which was formed specifically to protect the mountain range and its botanical diversity. There are some 600 species of tree in the Soutpansberg, including yellowwoods, giant stinkwoods, forest fevers, cabbage trees, proteas and ancient tree ferns.

The Soutpansberg Mountains go from arid bushveld in the west to thick indigenous montane forests in the east. The higher slopes of the mountain are often shrouded in mist and cloud in the morning. The highest point of the range, at 1 747m, is Lajuma. responsible traveller 37

SABI SABI’S EARTH LODGE is built in harmony with nature, Earth Lodge sits within the Sabi Sand Reserve, famed for its Big 5 sightings. It offers an unexpected sensory experience that you’ll never forget.

Great Plains Conservation - Selinda Camp

It is well named – it is part of the Earth, and in harmony with it. So beautifully does Earth Lodge blend into its surrounding environment that it has been described as the most ecologically sensitive luxury lodge on the entire African continent.

There are 13 suites, each with its own plunge pool, indoor and outdoor shower, and unique sculptures. The fact that they are built into a hill naturally insulates them. Earth Lodge is cool in summer and cosy in winter.

The Amber Presidential Suite is the pièce de résistance. An astounding sculpture in the bedroom is only a small part of the attraction.

Stay here and you’ll have your own steam room, study, kitchenette, lounge, expansive dining area and your very own butler. You’ll also have your own game-viewing vehicle. And the views are astonishing, including that from your large, eggshaped bath.

Sabi Sabi is certified as a Fair Trade in Tourism destination and has won several environmental awards for its sensitive handling of waste water, which is purified through a natural wetland – a perfect haven for waterfowl. Once purified, it runs along natural drainage lines and seeps back into the Earth.

Sabi Sabi Private Game Reserve is located within the larger Sabi Sand Reserve. Its wildlife sightings, specifically of the Big 5, are legendary. They were even legendary nearly a century ago, when hunting had left far fewer wild animals than there are today.

The railway line between Johannesburg and Komatipoort near the Mozambican border used to run through here. One particular story recounts a time when the train stopped to pick up passengers at Newington siding, part of the present Sabi Sabi.

It was night-time and the expected passengers where nowhere to be seen. Puzzled, the train driver headed on to Komatipoort. Unbeknownst to him, said passengers were trapped in nearby trees by a pride of hungry lions, despairingly watching their train steam away.

After that, thoughtful railway officials placed permanent ladders against the trees so that passengers could more easily escape dangerous predators.

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Sunset game drive at Sabi Sabi

Image - www.sabisabi.com ©

‘...famed for its Big Five sightings, Sabi Sabi offers an unexpected sensory experience that you’ll never forget’ SABI SABI EARTH LODGE

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MOTSWARI PRIVATE GAME RESERVE, deep in the Timbavati bushveld, offers an authentic African bush experience in the land of rare white lions. This family-owned destination has been accredited by Fair Trade in Tourism and it prioritises conservation and people above cigar bars and individual plunge pools.

The wholeness of wild land is naturally spiritual.

And the owners and staff of Motswari Private Game Reserve place a premium on this. Motswari, in the Timbavati area near Hoedspruit, embodies an authentic, respectful approach to running a game lodge. The Geiger family has owned Motswari since 1981, when Paul Geiger fell in love with the land and its beauty.

At the main lodge within the 30 000ha Motswari, the emphasis is on connection with the bushveld.

By the end of the first day, an undeniable feeling of peace and serenity will have begun to seep into you, unannounced.The main lodge has 15 spacious, air-conditioned suites decorated with an understated elegant simplicity. Visitors seem to find this addictive – there is a very high rate of returns. The décor in the suites brings together nature and art through the media of stone, bone and wood.

There is a pool for hot days, and a comprehensive library with an internet connection. The curio shop is filled with interesting objects, carefully chosen and produced locally. There is no gym or spa, but there is an art gallery. And if you feel inspired, why not sculpt or paint or express yourself in some way? If you’d like to leave it with the lodge, there is a sculpture garden for that very purpose.

The field guides are passionate and knowledgeable about the area. Timbavati is a rich wildlife area where you’ll find the Big Five. In fact, you may even be lucky enough to see a rare white lion.

Motswari is located within the greater Timbavati Nature Reserve, next to the Kruger National Park.

And Timbavati is where the first white lions were seen in the 1970s. Every now and then, another is born to the lion prides in this area.

‘... the emphasis is on connection with the bushveld. By the end of the first day, an undeniable feeling of peace and serenity will have begun to seep into you, unannounced.’

MOTSWARI PRIVATE GAME RESERVE

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Image - Motswari Private Game Reserve Š

The main lodge at Motswari

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THAKADU RIVER CAMP is one of the finest examples of responsible tourism bringing benefits – social and financial upliftment – to the local community that owns it. The five-star lodge is Fair Trade Tourism certified and is set on the eastern side of Madikwe Game Reserve, one of South Africa’s few malaria-free parks.

This tented camp along the clear green Marico River not far from the Botswana border, is 100% owned by the Batlokwa people, most of whom live in a small nearby village called Molatedi. The community members gain clear benefits from having this luxury lodge here.

It’s a model of responsible tourism. Not only is there an annual amount paid to the community’s trust fund, but it is only local villagers who are employed and trained at the lodge. A trip to the village of Molatedi is easily arranged. It is memorable in part for the lack of visible people of working age. You’ll mostly only see old people and very people along the quiet, dusty streets.

thanks to the Madikwe Game Reserve, which is an enormous park embodying a mutually beneficial partnership between the owner (the government), the owners of the lodges (communities or private sector) and the environment that supports both.

Ecotourism is an industry that particularly favours female breadwinners. They don’t need to travel far to seek work, and can be close to their families, saving rent, food and transport money. It’s far easier to raise children in this environment than if they worked far from home. The little shop owners don’t have to deal with crippling debt, because most people can pay their bills. The school is of a reasonable standard, with motivated teachers.

The Thakadu tented camp (Thakadu means ‘aardvark’, an animal sacred to the Batlokwa) offers five-star accommodation. The tents are set on platforms over the thickly wooded Marico River.

Each has a wide balcony, a romantic room and an en suite bathroom.

The community members are tremendously Everyone else is either working at Thakadu or proud of their beautiful lodge, and it shows in is involved in the ecotourism business. This is their welcome.

Image -Thakadu River Camp ©

Tshakadu tented camp

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TSWALU KALAHARI RESERVE, owned by the Oppenheimer family, has two exceptional lodges – the Motse and the Tarkuni Villa – as well as a sleepout deck, the Malori. These opulent lodges are surrounded by a blonde land with cheetahs, meerkats, black-maned lions and mountain zebra.

Experience it on horseback, on foot or by vehicle.

Your soul will be touched by its beauty.

Designer Boyd Ferguson took inspiration from the serene beauty of the surroundings and their bright accents when putting together the graceful interiors of Tswalu Kalahari Reserve’s lodges.

‘... these opulent lodges are surrounded by a blonde land with cheetahs, meerkats, black-maned lions and mountain zebra.’

Image - Tswalu Kalahari Reserve ©

TSWALU KALAHARI RESERVE

The Oppenheimer family, which owns Tswalu, defines the feel as ‘barefoot luxury’, at once contemporary and timeless.

Motse (which means ‘village’ in the local language, Tswana) shelters in the lap of the Korannaberg mountains, overlooking a sweep of grassy savannah. There are nine ‘legaes’ (‘homes’ in Pedi), built with thick thatch, local stone and red earth. Luxuriously appointed, they are private and gorgeous. At the communal areas, you’ll find an infinity pool with views to a distant horizon.

Mercifully cool in summer, it is heated in winter.

There is a museum of intriguing artefacts, elevated decks, a library and a gym with an exquisite spa.

Tarkuni Villa, which was previously the Oppenheimers’ private home when at Tswalu, offers a living space that embraces the natural outdoor experience of the Kalahari.

But this only begins to convey the magic of Tswalu Kalahari Reserve’s Motse and Tarkuni lodges.

The Oppenheimer family is passionate about conservation in general and the Kalahari in particular, and have devised dozens of ways for you to enjoy it, too. These include horseback game-viewing; black rhino tracking; a meerkat bonding experience; gourmet picnics in the bush; a special trip to look for the elusive rare pangolin and aardvark; a private five-course meal on your own deck; and an excursion to see ancient rock art.

That’s apart from the normal game drives where you can see black-maned lions, wild dogs, cheetahs, and other rare animals like tsessebe, sable and roan antelope, and Hartmann’s mountain zebra.

Mountain Tswalu in spring &Beyond Zebra Ngala at Tented Camp

Whatever else you do, take time to lie on your back and look at the stars. There are very few other places in the world where you’ll see such a bright sky. responsible traveller 43

Image - !Xaus Lodge Š

Special moment at !Xaus Lodge

!XAUS LODGE is at the centre of a piece of land that has been given back to the Khomani San and Mier communities, setting right injustices that took place decades ago. Now it is a source of both income and pride for both communities.

agreement with each other and with the park authorities in 2002. About 50 000 hectares were ceded to the community, who leased it back to South African National Parks. In essence, they were now able to financially benefit from the land while retaining it for conservation. They could So much about !Xaus Lodge in the Kgalagadi also revive their old customs and ceremonies Transfrontier Park revolves around matters of linked to living on their ancestral land. the heart. For a start, the elegant lodge, with its dwellings strung out over a curved red dune, !Xaus Lodge was built in the middle of this area. overlooks a heart-shaped waterhole. But the !Xaus means ‘heart’ in the Nama tongue, and was most touching part of it all is that !Xaus Lodge chosen by the Mier and Khomani communities represents a heartfelt return to the land for the together. It is symbolic of the healing of Khoisan. relationships, the uplifting of previously deprived communities, and the return of dignity.

The story starts centuries ago when this land was inhabited by the San (or Bushmen) people, and It is wholly owned by the the two communities, later by the Mier community. When the Kalahari and they benefit from a percentage of the profits.

Gemsbok National Park was created in the 1930s, The 12 chalets all have their own decks and all these people were displaced to make way for splendid views over the waterhole. From this the game reserve. peaceful vantage point you can bird watch (the Kalahari has the highest concentration of raptors The chance to reclaim their lost land came when in South Africa) check for black-maned lions or the national park was joined to its Botswana watch the stately oryx toss their heads. And all the counterpart to create the Kgalagadi Transfrontier while, you will know in your heart that you have Park. The Khomani San and the Mier communities become part of a great healing process, and the then finalised an historic land settlement return of ancient people to their land.

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Most nature reserves recommend you bring binoculars. At BARTHOLOMEUS KLIP, the guide has a magnifying glass to show you the inner secrets of the highly specialised fynbos plants from this region. The renosterveld is a specific and endangered kind of vegetation within the Cape Floral Region World Heritage Site.

You feel as if you might be treading on the last of a species. But your guide may laugh and say the galloping herds of eland (which weigh nearly a ton each) do much more damage than your feet ever could.

This 4,000-hectare farm and reserve north of Cape Town is the guardian of one of the largest contiguous pieces of renosterveld in the world.

This type of vegetation, a kind of fynbos, is a particular member of the Cape Floral Kingdom that grows in exceptionally rich soils. As a result, much of the renosterveld has been eradicated by crop farming. Not surprisingly, this critical conservation area has been declared a provincial

nature reserve as well as a natural heritage site.

There are some species that are found only here.

In total, this private reserve protects 820 species of plants, of which five have never been found anywhere else. But it’s not only the plants that are critically endangered. It’s also one of the animals found here – notably the fourth generation of ‘quagga in the making’. Quagga became extinct in 1883, but it was recently found that the DNA was identical to Burchell’s zebra and here you can see quaggas being ‘bred back’ into existence.

The reserve is not only exceptional for its flowers.

Apart from the herds of eland (the mountains nearby are called the Elandsberg) and buffalo there are other fynbos dwellers like zebras, black wildebeest and bat-eared foxes.

This is also a working sheep and wheat farm, so it neatly combines two worlds. You stay in a stylish Victorian farmhouse where the architecture, décor and hospitality seem from a former, more gracious era.

‘...a stylish Victorian farmhouse where the architecture, decor and hospitality seem from a former, more gracious era’

Dining ‘out’ at Bartholomeus Klip

Image - Bartholomeus Klip©

BARTHOLOMEUS KLIP

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GROOTBOS PRIVATE NATURE RESERVE near Hermanus – South Africa’s whale-watching capital – is a foremost example of how luxury can be blended with responsible tourism principles while also conserving unique and threatened fynbos. While you won’t see the Big Five here, you can see nearly 800 fynbos species.

When Michael Lutzeyer bought a farm near Hermanus in 1991, he had no plans for it to become the Grootbos Private Nature Reserve.

He also never foresaw it becoming an icon of responsible tourism. Now Grootbos has become an award-winning luxury eco-destination.

Lutzeyer dabbled in growing fynbos commercially.

But the more he started to learn about this worldfamous floral kingdom, the more intrigued he became by the delicate interplay between its many species. The reserve’s outstanding scenery brought more and more guests and friends, until finally the Lutzeyers built five little cottages under the milkwood trees.

Over the years, Grootbos has become known as one of the foremost fynbos and botanical destinations in the country, combining luxury with an extraordinary commitment to plant conservation – it has no fewer than 765 species of plants in only 2,800ha.

The area suffered a devastating fire in 2006 – devastating for buildings, that is. Fynbos thrives on fire and nearly 80 species, previously unnoticed on the property, made their appearance after the heat activated the dormant seeds. The Lutzeyer family took the opportunity to rebuild, and the lodges are even better than before.

They have also gone out of their way to blend plant conservation with social responsibility.

Grootbos, which is certified by Fair Trade Tourism, has a number of upliftment projects. Green Futures is foremost among them. It teaches young adults how to propagate fynbos species, how to grow them and how to landscape gardens with them.

They are also taught life skills – taught how to drive, how to use a computer – while there is a focus on languages and mathematics too. Dozens of youngsters have passed through this ‘college’ and all of them have found work in the plant world.

In other words, this unique and fragile ecosystem benefits by supporting the dreams and aspirations of young people, too.

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‘... Grootbos has become known as one of the foremost fynbos and botanical destinations in the country, combining luxury with an extraordinary commitment to plant conservation.’

GROOTBOS PRIVATE NATURE RESERVE

Fynbos covered hills with Walker Bay in the distance Grootbos guide explaining interesting facts about Fynbos

responsible traveller 47

‘As you’d expect from lodges with an emphasis on holistic care for the community and environment, on game drives it’s not just about the Big Five...’

AMAKHALA GAME RESERVE

Secretary Bird

Images - Amakhala Game Reserve ©

Serval

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The AMAKHALA GAME RESERVE, just north of Port Elizabeth and close to Addo Elephant National Park in the malaria-free Eastern Cape, has four rather special lodges on it – Bush Lodge, Safari Lodge, Woodbury Lodge and Leeuwenbosch Country House all certified by Fair Trade Tourism.

The ecosystems found within Amakhala Game Reserve, which is not far from Grahamstown, are dense thickets of valley bushveld, thorntree savannahs, sweeping grasslands, knots of forests and hardy Nama Karoo. Punctuating it are spectacular aloes and candelabra euphorbias, with the Big Five animals rambling through it all.

All four of Amakhala’s lodges collaborate on conservation matters, HIV/AIDS education and other ways of uplifting the community. They support local businesses, including a needlework entrepreneur, a small laundry and a group of women who do beading to generate funds for education bursaries.

Bush Lodge and Safari Lodge are both five-star.

Think private plunge pools, fireplaces, romantic double indoor and outdoor showers, and gameviewing decks. Then there’s access to the magical Whisper Room, a place to be pampered and massaged.

Leeuwenbosch Country House, which has four stars, is owned and run by the Fowlds family, who have lived here for five generations, dating back to the family of William Fowlds, who arrived with the 1820 Settlers. This beautiful old house offers five en-suite rooms. Woodbury Lodge, also fourstar, is an elegant stone-and-thatch lodge with spectacular views over the Bushman’s River valley.

Elephants and other wild animals often pass by, and the suites are designed so that you can view from your own deck.

As you’d expect from lodges with an emphasis on holistic care for the community and environment, on game drives it’s not just about the Big Five and other charismatic beasts like cheetahs and hyenas. The guides will also draw your attention to monkeys, tortoises, shy bat-eared foxes, mongooses and even dung beetles.h•

SOURCE: www.southafrica.net www.fairtrade.travel

The deck at Woodbury Lodge responsible traveller 49

Fair Trade Tourism in

MADAGASCAR

Salary Bay

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Fair Trade Tourism puts the “Mark Of A Good Holiday” next to five newly certified tourism businesses in Madagascar

Fair Trade Tourism (FTT) is now proud to announce the recent certification of five Madagascar tourism businesses. With lemurs, baobabs, rainforest, beaches, desert, trekking and diving, Madagascar is a dream destination for nature and outdoor lovers – and half the fun is getting to all these incredible attractions.

Located on one of the most beautiful bays of Madagascar, with white sandy beaches, coral reefs with enchanting colours and well preserved primary forest, is SALARY BAY, the first Madagascar tourism business to receive FTT-certification.

Not far from Salary Bay is the luxury eco-lodge, HOTEL LE PARADISIER. Overlooking the beach, Hotel Le Paradisier has been carefully designed to harmonise with the landscape, the lodge environs featuring stone pathways lined with fascinating spiny forest plants.

MANTASOA LODGE, is a boutique hotel on the beautiful Lake Mantasoa, not far from the capital city of Antananariva.

BUSHHOUSE Lodge is a small eco-lodge located in the east coast Toamasina region of Madagascar, within the Canal des Pangalanes Lake District, where fresh water lakes merge with the Indian Ocean.

Lying in the Tsaranoro Valley, TSARA CAMP offers perfect comfort in completely secluded settings with tented rooms.

These tourism businesses all adhere to the FTT standard and use the FTT label as a way of signifying their commitment to fair and responsible tourism. This includes fair wages and working conditions, fair purchasing and operations, equitable distribution of benefits and respect for human rights, culture and the environment.

F

air Trade Tourism promotes responsible and sustainable tourism in southern Africa and beyond. The NGO operates the world’s first and still only Fair Trade Tourism certification programme. The programme was developed 10 years ago and in December 2011 became the first tourism certification programme in Africa to be recognised by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council.

Specific initiatives range from contributing to the education of children in the local communities and offering health clinics on their premises to working with local fishermen and fish farmers, in order to support them in making their businesses more profitable and more resilient.

Recognizing the importance of preserving the local farming sector and increasing the value generated from agriculture, FTT-certified businesses provide local farmers with the necessary tools as well as sharing technical and commercial knowledge with them. The responsible traveller 51

Tsara Camp (above) BushHouse Lodge (below)

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Mantasoa Lodge

Hotel Le Paradisier

businesses are also dedicated to water and energy savings and make use of local handicrafts to decorate their rooms.

FTT General Manager, Kathy Bergs said, “We are absolutely thrilled that the FTT footprint is now visible in Madagascar. These businesses are all pioneers of sustainable tourism and exemplify the FTT values of fair share, fair say, respect,

reliability, transparency and sustainability. We encourage responsible travelers to experience the best that Madagascar has to offer – while at the same time giving back to the people and the places they’ve visited.”

www.fairtrade.travelt responsible traveller 53

What’s news...

LILIZELA IMVELO AWARDS for Responsible Tourism The recent Lilizela Tourism Awards which took place in Johannesburg recognised products and services offered by the tourism industry for their contribution to South Africa’s growth, competitiveness and transformation.

Speaking at the recent award ceremony in Johannesburg, the Minister of Tourism, Derek Hanekom, congratulated leading members of the industry for helping to grow South Africa’s reputation as a leading tourism destination, and supporting the growth and development of South Africa’s economy. The Lilizela Tourism Awards are the premier awards programme for tourism businesses in South Africa.

“South Africa’s tourism industry has proven itself as an excellent vehicle for growing the economy and creating jobs,” said Hanekom. “All the finalists and award winners have done a fantastic job in advancing this important sector through their commitment to excellence in the products they have developed and the services they offer. This means that South Africa’s reputation as a worldclass tourism destination continues to grow.”

The Imvelo Awards, the responsible tourism awards for the African hospitality and tourism industries, which was made for the twelfth time this year, is part of the Lilizela Awards... the winners and finalists (the regional winners), follow…

Hotel Verde - winner of Best Overall Environmental Management System

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What’s news...

And the Imvelo Responsible Tourism Award winners are...

Best Single Resource Management – Water (Large establishment) Winner – ATKV-Drakensville Vakansieoord (KwaZulu-Natal) Finalists – ATKV Goudini Spa (Western Cape), Badplaas Forever Resort (Mpumalanga) Best Single Resource Management – Energy (Large establishment) Winner – V & A Waterfront Holdings (Western Cape) Finalists – Umhlanga Sands Resort (KwaZulu-Natal), Beacon Island Resort (Western Cape) Best Single Resource Management – Energy (Small establishment) Winner – Thaba Tshwene Game Lodge (North West) Best Single Resource Management – Waste (Large establishment) Winner – Sandton Sun / Intercontinental Towers (Gauteng) Finalists – ATKV Goudini Spa (Western Cape), Riverside Sun Resort (Gauteng) Best Single Resource Management – Waste (Small establishment) Winner – Southern Sun Newlands (Western Cape) Finalist – Southern Sun Bloemfontein (Free State) Best Overall Environmental Management System (Large establishment) Winners – Hotel Verde and Spier Wine Farm (both Western Cape) Best Overall Environmental Management System (Small establishment) Winner – African Game Lodge (Western Cape) Economic Impact (Large establishment) Winner – Aquila Private Game Lodge (Western Cape) Finalists – V & A Waterfront (Western Cape), The Backpack (Western Cape) Economic Impact (Small establishment) Winner – Bulungula Lodge (Eastern Cape) Finalists – Umlani Bush Camp (Mpumulanga), Maliba Lodge (KwaZulu-Natal/Lesotho) Investing In People (Large establishment) Winner – The Twelve Apostles Hotel and Spa (Western Cape) Finalists – Birchwood Hotel & OR Tambo Conference Centre (Gauteng), The Backpack (Western Cape) Investing In People (Small establishment) Winner – Garden Court Hatfield (Gauteng) Finalists – Garden Court Eastgate (Gauteng), Bulungula Lodge (Eastern Cape) Best Social Involvement Programme (Large establishment) Winner – African Impact (Western Cape) Finalists – Grootbos Private Nature Reserve (Western Cape), Peninsula All-Suite Hotel (Western Cape) Best Social Involvement Programme (Small establishment) Winner – Bulungula Lodge (Eastern Cape) Finalists - !Kwa ttu San Culture and Education Centre (Western Cape), Edge of Africa (Western Cape)

The full list of the National Lilizela Tourism Award winners for 2014, can be viewed on www.lilizela.co.za responsible traveller 55

H o t e l Ve r d e

A f r i c a’s G r e e n e s t H o t e l ...wins again!

M

ario and Annemarie Delicio of Dematech the owners behind Hotel Verde – Africa’s greenest hotel, are passionate about sustainability, and this shows… what started as a sensible business proposition has became Africa’s most advanced environmentally conscious technological hotel construction, installation and operation. Evidence of this is their LEED Certification, Platinum Heritage Rating and the numerous awards they have accumulated in their first year of operation. The most recent being the Lilizela Imvelo Award for ‘Best Overall Environmental Management System’ and the prestigious World Responsible Tourism Award for ‘Best City Hotel’!

During the planning and construction phase everything was done to look at what could be implemented from a green angle with regards to energy, water and waste reduction. And the team at Hotel Verde succeeded – from locally sourced suppliers to sustainable practices on the building site to multiple ways in which they could generate their own electricity and reduce waste to almost zero.

This included choosing recycled bricks and insulation, to installing a geothermal field, coupled to ground-source heat pumps and

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photovoltaic (solar) panels cleverly positioned to provide shade as well as power (these are mounted on the north façade of the building so as to not only generate electricity but create shading for the windows that get the most sun).

Hotel Verde also boasts a sophisticated grey water recycling plant that contributes towards a 37% reduction of potable water use – a network of pipes runs through the building in order to reticulate the grey water, collect it and supply it to the toilets. A rainwater filtering and capture system provides water for the car wash and irrigation.

The elevators run on a regenerative drive, which allows for about 30% of the input energy to be recaptured and fed back into the building, and double-glazed windows with spectrally selective glass filters out hot rays, so less heat enters the building reducing the need for air-conditioning.

And in order to bypass the need for standard airconditioning systems, traditionally one of the biggest energy consumers, Hotel Verde utilises ground source heat pumps made by 100 holes drilled about 76 metres into the ground so as to use the earth as a heat source in winter and ‘heat sink’ in summer, boosting efficiency and dramatically reducing operational costs.

Hotel Verde wInd turbines

The four-star Hotel Verde, which is located 400m from Cape Town International Airport, Verde not only offers every luxury but also the added element of sustainability. •

Guests can sleep easy with the knowledge that for every night spent at Hotel Verde they have...

• offset 27.4kg of carbon • saved 76kWh of electricity • saved 492 litres of water - across their entire stay, not just their room usage • diverted 2.1kg of waste from landfill

Contact details: Tel: +27 21 380 5500 reservations@hotelverde.com www.hotelverde.co.za

Hotel Verde grey water recycling plant Hotel Verde geothermal header

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What’s news...

World Responsible Tourism Awards...

Cape Town is leading the way in Responsible Tourism, with two Cape Town Tourism members winning Gold at the World Responsible Tourism awards that took place at World Travel Market in London on the 5 November 2014.

Hotel Verde, known as the greenest hotel in Africa, won the Best City Hotel Gold Award and V&A Waterfront won the Best Destination Gold award.

Other South African finalists also received awards.

Mdumbi Backpackers based in the Eastern Cape received an accolade winning the Best for Poverty Reduction Silver award, and SAASA (South African Animal Sanctuary Alliance - Monkeyland, Birds of Eden & Jukani) won a Gold award for Best Animal Welfare Initiative and the overall World Responsible Tourism award.

The awards have become the global benchmark for responsible tourism leadership. They recognise the essential role that tourism can play in benefitting citizens and enriching the perspectives of travellers worldwide. Candidates for the awards are nominated by the public and the travel industry, and there is a rigorous judging process to ensure that winners are accountable and deserving of their honours.

Cape Town Tourism, CEO, Enver Duminy, congratulated the winners on the recognition they had achieved; “These Cape Town Tourism members have proven themselves to be up there with the world’s best. We salute their innovation and integrity, and can all learn from their journey.”

Source: www.capetowngreenmap.co.za V & A Waterfront, Cape Town

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Monkeyland, Plettenberg Bay Mdumbi Backpackers, Eastern Cape

Hotel Verde, Cape Town

What’s news...

Wild Asia Announces 2014 Responsible Tourism Award Winners...

On the closing day of this year’s ITB Asia (Marina Bay Sands, Singapore), Wild Asia revealed the 2014 Wild Asia Responsible Tourism Award Winners as part of the annual Responsible Tourism Forum.

Each year, Wild Asia hosts the region’s premier get together for sustainable travel professionals, to share experiences and expertise to likeminded businesses and passionate individuals.

The conclusion of this exciting networking event is always the grand revealing of the year’s Responsible Tourism Award recipients.

In line with this year’s UNWTO theme, Wild Asia has highlighted people in destinations in the 2014 Awards with categories dedicated to ethical practices to support host communities and conserve vibrant cultures in destinations around the region. The Wild Asia Responsible Tourism Awards began in 2006 aligned with the Global Sustainable Tourism Criteria (GSTC), enabling local operators to gain international recognition and inspire the tourism industry through sharing their best practices.

Award recipients go through a robust application and judging process, allowing Wild Asia to identify leaders in corporate social responsibility and sustainability who go above and beyond to use tourism as a tool for positive social benefits.

First, businesses complete an application based on the GSTC to measure themselves against global standards and benchmark their operations. Wild Asia brings together a group of responsible tourism industry experts as a panel of international judges, who navigate the applicants’

details to identify a pool of Finalists. Finalists then undergo further inspection through site visits and personalised interviewing based on business and destination specific issues the organisation should be addressing. Finally, Winners are selected; these are operators who demonstrate exceptional commitment to continuous improvement, and implement dynamic and creative measures to be a change-maker in the tourism industry.

Best in Community Engagement & Development WINNER: Borneo Eco Tours, Malaysia www.borneoecotours.com FINALISTS: Reality Tours and Travel, India; Village Ways, India Best in Cultural Preservation WINNER: Ock Pop Tok, Laos www.ockpoptok.com FINALIST: Andaman Discoveries, Thailand Most Inspiring Responsible Tourism Initiative WINNER: The ChildSafe Network, Cambodia www.childsafe-international.org FINALIST: BEST Society, Malaysia”

www.tourism.wildasia.org

responsible traveller 59

Making a difference... celebrating people

Uthando – sharing the love! ’ Uthando, meaning love in Xhosa, was founded with the aim to raise funds and other types of assistance for community development projects in South Africa.

It supports a mindboggling array of projects: urban agriculture; animal welfare; youth development through the medium of art, dance, choir singing, classical music, drumming or sport; special needs education; assistance to refugees; the environment; economic empowerment through skills development; arts and crafts; township theatre; prisoner rehabilitation; care and protection for children, women and the elderly.

Uthando offers township tours that provide visitors and locals alike with an opportunity to see the townships with new clarity, understand what has shaped them, and what their people need from those of us more fortunate in order to create a brighter future. So simply by going on an interesting and heartwarming tour, you are contributing to a better South Africa!

One of the projects supported by Uthando is the Amy Biehl Foundation; founded by the parents of Amy Biehl, a talented and dedicated young America woman who, in 1993, was tragically killed in an act of political mob violence in the Guguletu township just outside of Cape Town. ABF is a non-profit organisation whose programmes are designed to develop and empower youth in the townships, reduce the levels of crime and violence and give them opportunities to become future leaders and entrepreneurs in society.

The programmes place a focus on the creative side of the child’s brain, supplement the shortcomings of the educational system in the townships of The Guguletu Township outside Cape Town

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South Africa. ABF programmes reach over 1,500 children every day, and include: • • • • •

•

Sport including soccer, hockey, swimming, diving, surfing, cricket and kickboxing Music including violin, guitar, marimba, choral singing, and brass band HIV / AIDS peer education Greening and environment Creative arts including drama and dance (kwaito, modern, traditional and ballet), pottery, art & beading Computer literacy

One of the many young people that have been helped by ABF is AKHONA MNGQIBISA, and this is his story: As a young boy, Akhona would spend his days gambling, begging on the streets and associate himself with gangsters. Without any direction, the route his life would take was clear. However, in 2007, at the age of fourteen, he was introduced to the Amy Biehl Foundation and has never looked back.

Now Akhona attends ABF’s greening & environment programme on a daily basis, and the Muay Thai outreach programme twice weekly.

He is a champion fighter and gold medal winner in huge events including ‘South Africa Champs’, winning all fights that he has participated in. With big ambitions for his future, Akhona now identifies these ambitions as one day becoming a reality. •

Making a difference... celebrating people Uthando... sharing the love

Akhona Mngqibisa

What do you think you would be doing now without the Foundation?

I would be lost and have no direction. The Amy Biehl Foundation always leaves me with something to think about. It has given me ambition for the future.

What has been your highlight with the Uthando Foundation?

The camps and outings are my highlight. I love meeting other people from different schools, making friends and socialising. I like to go out of my community to different places.

What are your goals for the future?

Katarina Mancama chats to Akhona...

How has being with the Amy Biehl Foundation changed your life?

It has changed lots of people’s lives and given an alternative to begging and gangsterism. I had no direction before the Foundation; I would gamble the whole day and was involved with gangsters.

I would like to be a hotel manager and be my own boss one day. I want to feel important. I would also love to be an airport manager so I can meet lots of different people from different cultures.

What motivates you?

My teacher (Mzwandile Fulani) motivates me to keep studying and hand in my projects on time.

www.uthandosa.org responsible traveller 61

OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2014

Featured Establishment and Supplier Contact Details African Insight / Somkhanda Game Reserve pg 22

Hotel Verde pg 56

Tel: +27 33 234 4466 www.africaninsight.co.za

Tel: +27 21 380 5500 www.hotelverde.co.za

Calabash Tours

pg 08

Tel: +27 84 552 4414 www.calabashtours.com

Marine Dynamics / Dyer Island Cruises

pg 12

Tel: +27 82 380 3405 www.sharkwatchsa.com

Fair Trade Tourism pg 02 Southern Sun Waterfront Cape Town Tel: +27 12 342 2945 pg 30 Tel: +27 21 409 4000 www.fairtrade.travel pg 32 www.tsogosunhotels.com

pg 34 GreenLine Responsible Tourism pg 07 Programme Tel: +27 12 667 6658 www.heritagesa.co.za

Eco-Beds

pg 63

pg 64

Tel: +27 12 667 6658 www.eco-beds.com

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Image courtesy Fair Trade Tourism & Grootbos Private Nature Reserve ©

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