The Cape Leopard Trust is turning its attentions to the Eastern Cape to study the free roaming predators in the province and they need help!

South Africa (06 March 2024) — The Cape Leopard Trust (CLT) is calling on residents of the Eastern Cape to help them start monitoring wild leopards in the province. They are even hosting a competition to boost engagement.

The Trust is a non-profit that has worked hard to conserve the wild spaces these free-roaming predators call home, working with farmers and the public to ensure their safety.

The leopard is the last large predator and the last member of the Big 5 to still roam free in the Cape provinces. The species faces multiple threats, including limited and fragmented habitat, reduction in prey numbers and high levels of conflict with people.

“Have you ever seen a leopard or any field signs of leopards in the Eastern Cape? We’d love to hear from you if you have – you’ll be contributing to important leopard research and you stand a chance of winning some awesome prizes to boot!”

The CLT leopard database collects information on leopard activity and threats to leopards from across the Cape provinces. Over the past 3 years, this database has collated thousands of records – thanks to fantastic contributions from citizen scientists, researchers, and partner organisations. Currently, most data points are from the Western Cape, but in 2024 the Trust is setting its sights on expanding leopard knowledge in the Eastern Cape.

In 2023, the Cape Leopard Trust partnered with Jamma International, Panthera, and Nelson Mandela University to support PhD student Silindokuhle Tokota. His work focuses on the status of and threats facing leopard populations in the Eastern Cape. Over the next couple of months, the CLT invites leopard records from across the Eastern Cape to be submitted to our database. These points will contribute to Silindokuhle’s research and shed light on an understudied area for leopards within South Africa.

What exactly is CLT looking for?

They are seeking all verifiable observations of leopards and their field signs in the Eastern Cape from 2010 onwards.

Leopard sighting records can consist of camera trap photos, photos of leopard signs (i.e. spoor/tracks, scats/droppings, scratch marks on trees, feeding sites) and photos of direct leopard observations (i.e. visual sightings).

The team needs a photo, date as well as a location point for each record.

How to submit your records and enter the competition:

Go to app.capeleopard.org.za and follow the steps to create an account.

Each data point must be submitted individually to the online portal, so if you have multiple observations to share or prefer to contribute via email, please contact research@capeleopard.org.za

You can find all the details about the competition via the Cape Leopard Trust website.

Sources: Cape Leopard Trust – Linked Above

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Or watch an episode of Good Things TV below, a show created to offer South Africans balance in a world with what feels like constant bad news. We’re here to remind you that there are still so many good things happening in South Africa & we’ll leave you feeling a little more proudly South African.

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A massive milestone in conservation has been achieved thanks to the relocation of 160 vultures in the Eastern Cape! The vulture relocation mission is imperative in securing the future of these wild populations in Southern Africa:

Eastern Cape, South Africa (23 January 2024) — The first phase of a project to secure the future of wild vulture populations in Southern Africa has successfully been completed with 160 Cape and African White-backed vultures settled at Shamwari Private Game Reserve—their new home.

The birds are the vanguard of a two-year project to establish a breeding facility, VulPro (the only vulture conservation organisation of its kind in Africa founded by Kerri Wolter) at Shamwari, for sick or injured vultures that have been rehabilitated and are able to breed, but aren’t releasable. Future hopes are that the offspring of the Cape Vultures will be released at Shamwari where they will help restore the indigenous fauna on the reserve.

In what is the largest relocation of vultures ever undertaken, the birds were transported 1042km from VulPro’s facility in Hartebeespoort to their new bespoke enclosures at Shamwari.

The move involved over 50 people and took 18 hours. All 160 birds loaded in just 3 hours. NGO WeWild Africa, who specialises in animal rewilding and translocation, made sure the loading went smoothly and funded the crates!

Other everyday heroes involved were Professor Katja Koeppel from the University of Pretoria’s Faculty of Veterinary Sciences and Dr Johan Joubert from Shamwari.

This is the beginning of more good news to come, with a second phase on the horizon later this year. Then, the relocation of breeding pairs of non-releasable, Lappet-faced, White-headed and Hooded Vultures and some White-backed Vultures will be part of the second big release.

What is Causing Widespread Population Collapse of These Savanna Raptors?

According to a study recently published in Nature, Ecology & Evolution by Dr Phil Shaw, raptors, including vultures, are at “considerable risk from habitat conversion, prey-base depletion and persecution, driven principally by human population expansion.”

Why is This Conservation Milestone so Important?

Joe Colette, Shamwari’s CEO puts it succinctly:

“To put it in perspective, in conservation terms I consider this as significant as relocating 160 rhino. Vultures are vital for a healthy ecosystem and are severely threatened. I cannot overstate how reintroducing Cape Vultures to Shamwari is crucial to our conservation journey and enhancing the ecological importance of the reserve and the Eastern Cape.”

Watch the Relocation Mission!

Sources: Supplied 

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As the Queenstown SPCA faces losing its home (which would impact so many animals) community members have opened their doors to the paws and the cause:

Queenstown, South Africa (17 January 2024) — Animal lovers across South Africa have been up in arms over the Queenstown SPCA’s lease dilemma.

In December 2023, Queenstown SPCA publicly shared a statement that summarised correspondence they had received from the Enoch Mgijima Local Municipality pertaining to the non-renewal of the SPCA’s lease. This which would reportedly affect the facility many animals call home at the end of this month.

Should the non-renewal go ahead, the Queenstown SPCA shares that it would no longer have facilities to “house stray, unwanted/surrendered and abandoned animals”. As such, current animals at the SPCA would find themselves in very tough circumstances should they not be adopted and find forever homes.

However, the community has stepped up in support of the SPCA in several ways. Not only have people opened their homes to the animals through adoptions, but the fight to help their case is also brewing; given that the service the SPCA provides for the animals is a community necessity.

Specialist Investigator Mike Bolhuis has been appointed by the Queenstown SPCA to assist with the matter of the lease non-renewal. Bolhuis has been a voice for animals in need before, as many will recall from the 2019 Flamingo Project—a massive rescue initiative.

Bolhuis shared with Good Things Guy that his Investigation Unit are fully on board with the Queenstown SPCA and will ensure that the fight is dealt with amicably and does not affect the public or the animals.

Those looking to make a difference for the current animals at the facility on Heatherton Farm can do so in two ways:

• Contact the Queenstown SPCA about adoptions or other forms of help via queenstownspca@gmail.com or on 045 011 0176 or via Facebook here.
• Mandate Mike Bolhuis via mike@mikebolhuis.co.za with the subject line ‘PROJECT SPCA QUEENSTOWN’ as your show of public support
• Bolhuis can also be contacted on the same email for any donations the public wishes to make to Queenstown SPCA in additional support; the details of which would be conferred upon contact.

Sources: Queenstown SPCA/ Mike Bolhuis 

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Or watch an episode of Good Things TV below, a show created to offer South Africans balance in a world with what feels like constant bad news. We’re here to remind you that there are still so many good things happening in South Africa & we’ll leave you feeling a little more proudly South African.

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Two coworkers and close friends shared the trip of a lifetime after Lakiwe invited Monique to her home village, Qokolweni, for the December holidays. Their adventure in the traditional Xhosa community has gone viral!

Qokolweni, South Africa (10 January 2024) — Over the December holidays, two coworkers decided to take their friendship to the next level by sharing a holiday together.

Monique Weich (crowdfunding institution BackaBuddy’s Donor Retention Coordinator) and Lakiwe Blekiwe (the Head of Charities) headed to the Eastern Cape’s rural village of Qokolweni, where an unforgettable holiday would unfold.

Qokolweni is Lakiwe’s village. A place of family, tradition and Xhosa culture; inviting Monique was not just an invitation to a unique getaway in a picturesque village, but an extension of one the most significant parts of Xhosa culture—the Mgidi celebration (a young man’s transition into adulthood, which Lakiwe’s nephew was celebrating).

@qokolweni_mlungu Theres an Mlungu on my stoep! #easterncape #Qokolweni #village #culture #heritage #khosa #friendship #love #tradition #blackgirlmagic #fyp #cultureshock #afrikaans #southafrican @Lakiwe Blekiwe ♬ original sound – Qokolweni_Mlungu

The duo, who have been friends for five years, believe their friendship works as well as it does because of the mutual respect they have for each other and each other’s cultural underpinnings.

On this holiday, Monique, the ‘Mlungu’ of the trip and the village got to fully immerse herself in a cultural experience outside of her own. In the same breath, Lakiwe got to share some of the most personal and special parts of her life with a friend. The act of experiencing Monique’s wonder and curiosity incited even more cultural pride in Lakiwe, as well as a lot of laughs for the both of them as Monique discovered the ropes of village life.

The adventure was documented on TikTok and has, unsurprisingly gone viral.

From spotlighting South Africa’s cultural riches to sharing a tapestry of unity through differences with the most important ingredient (friendship) at the centre, Monique and Lakiwe’s adventure has tugged at the hearts of the world.

Coming home and off the high of the trip wasn’t easy for either of them, with Monique sharing that the experience had a profound impact on her. In fact, she was even given her own tradition Xhosa name ‘Nomathamsanqa’.

On her perspective of the experience, Lakiwe shared:

“From pit toilets to ‘Vaskom’ baths, fermented porridge mornings, and even accepting unreliable transport as normal. What bonded us even more was her love for Mama’s steamed bread and soup – that, [Monique] truly cherished,” Lakiwe commented.

The coworkers have reminded us that sometimes walking a mile in someone else’s shoes can be one of the most enriching parts of the journey, while letting someone into yours is as empowering as it is exciting.

Sources: Zane Greenwald; Simbulele Jezile 

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Or watch an episode of Good Things TV below, a show created to offer South Africans balance in a world with what feels like constant bad news. We’re here to remind you that there are still so many good things happening in South Africa & we’ll leave you feeling a little more proudly South African.

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Mtentu Lodge is a life force for its community, protecting its land from mining and its people from changing a way of life closely connected to nature:

Eastern Cape, South Africa (08 January 2024) — On the Eastern Cape’s Wild Coast, a hidden gem that twinkles as a community life force stands bravely.

Mtentu Lodge is not your ordinary getaway. For starters, it is an eco-lodge with a very important connection to the gorgeous natural beauty of the region; situated in the remote part of the coastline near Mkambathi Nature Reserve. On top of its breathtaking location, it is also owned in partnership with the local Amadiba community (the ACCODA Trust, which represents the people and owns the land), earmarking it as a very special community life force that many families are reliant on to survive.

Perhaps one of the deepest importances of Mtentu Lodge is that it is said to be the reason titanium mining has not won the battle for land in the area. According to its people, because it acts as an important eco-tourism setting, it has helped Mtentu narrowly escape falling by the wayside of another mining money-maker in the province.

From the perspective of those who have stayed there before, it is positioned as a rare gem in the modern world; cut off from “the noise of technology” in an area that is “one of pristine, natural beauty, untouched [and] wild,” as Janet Haw tells Good Things Guy.

But unfortunately, it’s not all paradise for Mtentu Lodge.

Near the end of December, the Lodge’s main entertainment area caught fire and burnt to a crisp.

“We lost everything that makes the lodge run including the kitchen, bar, seating area, office, store room and workshop,” share the team.

Devastated, those who rely on the lodge knew they needed to make a plan to rebuild what they could, as this was not a gem worth letting go of.

In a few weeks, support has poured in, to the tune of over R57,000. But, this is a very long way to go until they reach their goal of R500,000.

As Janet shares expressing immense concern for the people and the area:

“The Lodge is also the one and only reason why mining has not been able to commence along the coast, as the people have not allowed it.”

“It is therefore vital that they can raise enough funds to get back up and running as quickly as possible.”

“Considering families could have no other means to support their families should the lodge be unable to flourish once more.”

Anyone willing to help a bietjie and make a difference not just for the nature this lodge protects, but the people behind it, can find its rebuilding campaign here. 

Sources: Website Submission

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Or watch an episode of Good Things TV below, a show created to offer South Africans balance in a world with what feels like constant bad news. We’re here to remind you that there are still so many good things happening in South Africa & we’ll leave you feeling a little more proudly South African.

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The education department wants to close Amanzi Primary School because it only has 114 learners

Kariega, South Africa (15 November 2023) — Parents are putting up a fight to save Amanzi Primary School, located on a farm in Kariega. The Eastern Cape Department of Education wants to close the school because it only has 114 enrolled grade R to 7 learners and it is deemed “small and unviable”. But parents say numbers are increasing at the school.

According to the department’s rationalisation programme, primary schools must have a minimum of 135 learners and secondary schools 200. A school closure however should not mean that learners have to travel for more than 45 minutes one way to a primary school and 75 minutes for a secondary school, “given the distance to be travelled and the condition of the roads”, the guidelines state.

In a letter to the school, education circuit manager Sebenzile Hoko said the department would meet parents to start “the process of closure and merging your school”.

But last week, at a meeting with district officials, parents flatly refused to accept the school’s closure.

“This is the only primary school on this farm and it is a beacon of hope,” said parent Ntozakhe Tshazibane.

He said it was inspiring that two staff members had been students at the school 27 years ago.

“In 2016, it had only 25 learners. But now, they’re 114. That’s growth. You can’t stifle this growth,” he said.

Parents fear that requiring learners to travel to town would lead to higher dropout rates and that their children are afraid to travel to urban areas.

School principal Buyiswa Qundele said this year the school had taken in 39 learners when Sindawonye Primary, about 19km away, was closed by the department.

“We are now surprised and shocked by their new move,” she said.

She said the 114 figure excluded seven more learners who do not have identity documents. “I am trying my best to have the Department of Home Affairs assist,” she said.

Eastern Cape education spokesperson Malibongwe Mtima said Amanzi was not the only school facing closure in Nelson Mandela Bay. “This is a national policy that must be adhered to,” he said.

Sources: GroundUp

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Uplifting the Eastern Cape one mural at a time is street artist Nathan Sanan who was behind the iconic Boks Mural. Through his incredible art, Nathan is sharing many visual messages of positivity for communities that most need them:

Eastern Cape, South Africa (14 November 2023) — Anyone who thinks art does little to uplift the communities it lives among has likely never been a bogged-down South African whose entire day changes for the better after encountering a larger-than-life (and sometimes larger-than-problems) mural. As any good street artist knows, the sight of enormous beauty can serve the most important purposes, like changing a mindset, connecting us to our communities, reminding us what is important or simply, giving us something to appreciate.

Dedicated to the call for uplifting others through public art, is street artist and architect, Nathan Sanan.

Nathan hopped onto GTG’s radar after his mural celebrating the Springboks born in the Eastern Cape had us in awe. But, it isn’t only incredible talent that makes this East London artist quite so remarkable.

When we learnt from a fellow admirer that Nathan’s work is slowly transforming and uplifting East London one mural at a time, we were inspired.

So, we sat down with the street artist to learn more about his mission!

Nathan got into street art thanks to an endless itch to learn new skills.

“Throughout life I have always been obsessed with skills acquisitions and when this was combined with an admiration for large scale street art, I committed myself to learning how to spray paint,” he shares of what began this journey.

“I was fortunate enough to be a part of a group of creatives in Gqeberha where there were opportunities for me to learn from incredibly talented individuals which really helped me grow in not only skill but confidence too.”

His works range from natural wonders like bees bigger than trees, flora, and an abundance of wildlife works, to murals honouring ‘the life givers of our beautiful country’—women.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Nathan Sanan (@na041art)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Nathan Sanan (@na041art)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Nathan Sanan (@na041art)

Then there are the reminders of light, joy and positivity, reflected in spray-painted smiles.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Nathan Sanan (@na041art)

Of them all, his favourite pieces are the ones that uplift their immediate communities in spaces that are often forgotten or unkempt.

“Coming from an incredibly fortunate background, my favourite works are ones that uplift areas of urban decay and struggling communities, so my works in the twilight zones of old CBD’s are the ones I am most proud of. 

“I attempt to be sensitive and celebratory of the communities that I work within so it’s amazing to spend prolonged periods of time in these areas and with the people, hearing about backgrounds, fascinating histories and translating that into an aesthetic outcome that combats the world’s default sense of negativity.”

On his thoughts around street art as a medium to beautify and uplift areas, he shares that it has a great impact.

“Over the years, I’ve come to realise that street art is hugely effective at uplifting not only areas but also communities, instilling a sense of pride and joy wherever they exist whilst at the same time addressing my own ignorance by getting informed as I temporarily integrate into the communities that I work in.”

He adds that this is only the beginning of more to come.

“I have no intention of slowing down as I look to do my part to uplift and reinvigorate areas around the Eastern Cape.” 

Sources: GTG Interview

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Or watch an episode of Good Things TV below, a show created to offer South Africans balance in a world with what feels like constant bad news. We’re here to remind you that there are still so many good things happening in South Africa & we’ll leave you feeling a little more proudly South African.

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Another world championship, another South African province making the country proud by hosting it! The Eastern Cape’s Kouga recently hosted the Adventure Racing Worlds, and brought the big race to the continent for the very first time.

Kouga, South Africa (08 November 2023) — The list of South Africa’s hosting moments for international competitions is ever-growing, as are the times parts of our country have brought renowned competitions to the continent for the first time. Recently, Cape Town hosted the Operatic World Cup for its debut in Africa, while in the Eastern Cape’s Kouga municipality, the Adventure Racing World Championships also made their first African appearance.

While the two disciplines couldn’t be more different (unless you’re an operatic endurance athlete) both were met with the same pride from South Africans.

The Adventure Racing World Championships kicked off in Cape St Francis where 800kms awaited competitors from around the world.

Though the 18th year of the Worlds was said to have been the toughest in years due to duration and weather, it was also the biggest with 109 teams from 30 countries participating as Esti Stewart of Chokki Trail shares.

Beyond the fierce nature of the big and gruelling adventure, participants got to fall in love with another side to South Africa—from the breathtaking, rugged beauty of the Eastern Cape to its own subset culture and wilderness offerings.

“We believe the variety of landscapes, coastlines, wildlife and peoples which teams will experience in the Eastern Cape will make the race a fitting and memorable World Championship.” said Stephan Muller when the hosting opportunity was official.

The Worlds big debut on African trails was made possible by Stephan and Heidi Muller who are the Race Directors of Expedition Africa—one of the most loved adventure races in the world.

The race wrapped up in late October and sits as another proud chapter in South Africa’s hosting successes.

Sources: Various (Linked Above)

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From today, the Springboks will travel around South Africa as part of their World Cup Victory Tour! Get ready for a parade of unity like no other along the following routes:

South Africa (02 November 2023) — The Springboks have earned a heroes’ welcome that needs no introduction. Following a short but well-deserved rest, the champions of the rugby world are embarking on a victory tour kickstarting today, where they will travel across the country to show the nation what our support and their determination achieved—winning the Rugby World Cup (again!).

With the Webb Ellis Trophy at the ready (for the fourth time) the team started their four-day tour in Gauteng this morning, 2 November. Pretorians, Joburgers and Soweto supporters will be the first to enjoy the Victory Parade with three other provinces set to follow.

Gauteng Routes

• In Pretoria, the Boks will travel from the Union Buildings, set to travel past Loftus Versfeld and the City Centre.
• From 2 pm, Johannesburg takes centre stage at No 1 Jan Smuts Avenue, Braamfontein.
• Then it’s off to Nelson Mandela Bridge where they will visit Soweto
• Finally, the tour ends at the FNB Stadium at around 3:45 pm where free entry is available to the public (tickets must be booked).

More Details:

 

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A post shared by Springboks (@bokrugby)

The City of Cape Town will then welcome the Springboks on Friday, 3 November.

Cape Town Routes

• Proceedings and a mini concert are pencilled to happen in front of City Hall at 11:30 am
• Thereafter, the Victory Tour will take the Boks through Cape Town’s CBD
• After 2:30 pm they will head through Langa and Bonteheuwel before heading back CBD side.

The third province on the map is KwaZulu-Natal on Saturday, 4 November.

KwaZulu-Natal Routes

• The Victory Tour starts at the Garden Court Hotel, Umhlanga at 9:30 am
• Afterwards, the Boks will travel toward Durban City Hall before concluding at uShaka Marine World at roughly 1:45 pm

The victory tour will see its concluding laps in the Eastern Cape’s East London on Sunday, 5 November.

Eastern Cape Route

• The final stretch of the tour will light up East London where the Garden Court Hotel will see all the action from 10 am to 2 pm as the single location for the Boks’ visit.

Routes could change or be updated, and there will also be satellite tours to the provinces and other communities not aforementioned (including Free State, North West, Limpopo, Mpumalanga and the Northern Cape) at a later stage.

A victory for all of us, the determination of a nation and a series of support the world will never forget!

Sources: Various (Linked Above)

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Or watch an episode of Good Things TV below, a show created to offer South Africans balance in a world with what feels like constant bad news. We’re here to remind you that there are still so many good things happening in South Africa & we’ll leave you feeling a little more proudly South African.

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Africa’s largest vulture relocation project has gotten the green light with the Eastern Cape set to become hundreds of these ecosystem and heritage-precious birds.

Eastern Cape, South Africa (31 October 2023) — The largest relocation of vultures ever undertaken has reached a critical milestone after approval was granted to move the first tranche of 155 birds to their new home in the Eastern Cape.

This after the Department of Forestry Fisheries and Environment gave the project its green light. Now, it’s all systems go to create a special facility at Shamwari Private Game Reserve, not far from the current Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre thanks to vulture helpers, VulPro.

VulPro (who address the declining African vulture species with soaring intervention efforts) at Shamwari is set to be the new home for the vultures. Currently, these birds are situated at the conservation organisation’s facilities in Hartebeesport. Their new home is premised to be a haven-in-the-making for Cape and African White-backed Vultures and all the birds to follow in the coming years.

The first phase of the largest vulture relocation programme will begin in late January and the entire duration of the programme looks at two years. Over this period, these efforts will see Lappet-faced, White-headed and Hooded Vultures join the moving phases, among others.

According to VulPro’s CEO Kerri Wolter, the vultures soon to be on the move are all non-releasable breeding birds, but the Cape Vulture’s offspring will be released on Shamwari with tracking devices, while the remaining species offspring will return to Hartebeesport to be released at various sites where the species needs bolstering, in line with the National Vulture Breeding Steering Committee’s identification.

As vultures play a huge role in ecosystem maintenance and certain species hold heritage-based importance, the big bird move is a welcomed one, and the fact that it will be happening on South African soil is even more reason for bird lovers to celebrate.

Meanwhile, in other bird-positive news, a massive coastal reclamation project on Marion Island is looking more hopeful than ever thanks to BirdLife South Africa’s team-up with several international conservation bodies. You can read all about it, here.

Sources: Supplied

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