KLOOF-BASED NGO, the African Conservation Trust (ACT) was pronounced a winner by the South African National Parks (SANParks) at the recent Annual Kudu Awards, also known as the conservation sector’s Oscars ceremony.

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In an awards ceremony held at Gallagher Convention Center, Midrand, on November 28, ACT was announced as one of three winners in the NGO category, which saw Natures Valley Trust, Friends of Franklin, Nature Connect, One Land Love It, and Shark Spotters nominated alongside the local NGO. ACT was recognised for their efforts to curb unemployment in communities around the Kruger National Park, and for injecting R22 million into the Limpopo and Mpumalanga economies.

The Kudu Awards acknowledges internal and external stakeholders who have shown outstanding commitment to sustainability, the elevation of livelihoods, and the pursuit of transformative change in the country’s national parks. Scientists, conservationists, and public individuals and entities were commended at the event for their drive to advance conservation measures. The proceedings saw Themba Robin take on the responsibilities of Master of Ceremonies.

ACT’s CEO, Francois du Toit, said he and colleague, Sandile Mathenjwa, ACT project co-ordinator, were honoured to accept the award on behalf of their organisation. The NGO’s Social Employment Fund (SEF) partner entity, Sabi Sands Pfunanani Trust, won the Community Contribution to Conservation Award, which was accepted by Community Liaison Manager, Isaac Hlatshwayo.

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ACT is a Strategic Implementing Partner (SIP) for SEF, which is a national government mass-employment programme that pays a stipend to participants while they undertake tasks for the common good. ACT, in its role as SIP, monitors and supports 2500 SEF participants, working in varied capacities across four provinces.

Du Toit stated, “This prestigious award is a testament to the dedication and hard work of SEF participants and partners, who are collectively making an enduring impact by working together. ACT supports a socially-inclusive Conservation Economy that is restorative, recycling, and regenerative – and ultimately respectful to all. This award attests to the progress being made in pursuit of our vision and goal.”

The NGO works in KwaZulu-Natal, the Free State, Limpopo and Mpumalanga, managing a broad scope of projects – including food security initiatives in the form of community food gardens, training in agro-ecological farming practices, bush thinning and alien eradication projects, soil erosion rehabilitation processes, rock art monitoring systems, and the pilot installation of energy-solutions for small businesses in the Township Energy Fund.

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To sustain and strengthen the positive connection between food security and wildlife conservation, ACT initiated community food gardens in neighbouring wildlife environments in Limpopo and Mpumalanga, adjacent to the Kruger National Park – achieved in collaboration with the Sabi Sands Pfunanani Trust and SANParks. Communal gardens and bush encroachment thinning projects are also well-established in northern KZN, around the rhino reserves, including Manyoni Private Game Reserve, Mkhuze Game Reserve, and the Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park.

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