Shamwari Game Reserve hit by rhino poachers

One of the Wilderness Foundation’s Indalo members, Shamwari Game Reserve was hit by rhino poachers yesterday morning (Monday, November 7, 2011). Management at the reserve are unable to divulge specific details, but The Herald reported that two rhino were targeted in the attack – a mother and her two year old calf.
Both rhinos were darted, and horns removed. Even the tiny horns of the youngster were hacked off. According to reports, the mother’s face was mutilated by the poachers who tried to remove as much of the horn as possible before escaping.

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Wilderness Foundation nominated for Ernst & Young Award

Wilderness Foundation nominated as a finalist in the Social Entrepreneur category for the 2011 Ernst & Young World Entrepreneur Awards Programme.
Wilderness Foundation director, Andrew Muir has been selected as one of the four finalists for the 2011 Ernst & Young World Entrepreneur Awards Programme in the Social entrepreneur category.

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Donkin Coffee Shop

Enjoy some of the finest views of Port Elizabeth and the harbour, stroll along the Route 67 art pathway, and enjoy some of the best coffee and cake in town – all at Umzi Wethu’s new coffee shop on the Donkin Reserve.
In their latest enterprise, Umzi’s smiling students will serve piping hot Italian coffee together with some fresh-baked delights including muffins, carrot cake and chocolate brownies. Light lunches include hearty burgers and crisps or a side salad at very reasonable prices.

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Umzi Wethu Success Stories - Nomaxabiso Manto

Nomaxabiso Manto (23)
Umzi 6

From soccer star to game ranger, Nomaxabiso has come a long way in a short space of time. The 23 year old from Port Elizabeth was one of the rising stars of the Grassroot Soccer Programme, playing for her home town team, City Lads F.C. “Xabi” as she is affectionately called by her teammates is now part of the Shamwari soccer team – the only girl amongst the boys!
Xabi chose to change her career path on the advice of her sister. “My sister told me that I will not be able to be a soccer player for ever. When I’m 40 I will need something to fall back on. That is when I decided to apply for the Umzi Wethu conservation academy.”

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Umzi Wethu Success Stories - Andiswa Sizani

Andiswa Sizani (24 years)
Umzi 1

Andiswa is the assistant shop manager at Shamwari as well as a waitress in the various lodges. Her responsibilities include counting stock and merchandising the other gift shops on the premises.
She has been working at Shamwari since she graduated from the first Umzi Wethu hospitality intake four years ago.
She started out as a waitress and bar tender, but worked her way up and was appointed as the trainer for new waitressing staff and bar tenders. She volunteered to work in the gift shop so that she could learn new skills and grow her knowledge of the industry.

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