Wildoceanssa

The Ocean and Awareness team of the uThukela Marine Protected Area (MPA) Ecosystem-based Adaptation (EbA) project, funded by the Blue Action Fund, recently hosted its first Teachers’ Workshop at Gingindlovu Hall, bringing together educators from 13 participating schools.

Led by Dudu Vilane from WILDTRUST, the workshop introduced teachers to the work of the Ocean and Awareness team while giving them firsthand experience of the interactive educational activities presented to learners. The sessions are designed to make marine and environmental education engaging, accessible, and easy to understand for learners of all ages.

Educators also had the opportunity to meet Harry the Hammerhead Shark alongside author and WILDTRUST Project Manager Nikki Chapman, who shared how the book has become an important educational tool for teaching learners about marine conservation, ocean ecosystems, and the importance of protecting marine life.

Reflecting on the workshop, Ms. Lavinia Dlamini from Sakhesethu Primary School said, “I was not aware of the Coelacanth and what kind of fish it is, as well as the importance of coral reefs. Everything was so interesting. Getting to understand that some of the things we overlook actually matter and are important.”

ezemvelokznwildlife Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment

In an effort to support vulnerable women and children in northern KwaZulu-Natal, WILDTRUST, recently hosted a health outreach session at the KwaDapha Community Resource Hub, for mothers and children aged 0–5 years. The visit was led by guest medical doctor, Dr Sue Harris alongside Nomusa Nxumalo, WILDTRUST's Project Manager supporting women and children.

Dr Sue Harris highlighted the importance of regular health check-ups during early childhood, as this is a critical stage of development. Each child received a basic health assessment, including height, weight, and heart rate checks to monitor their overall well-being.

Nxumalo facilitated communication between the mothers and Dr. Sue, ensuring that every child felt welcome and comfortable. The children were also treated to sweets and toys, bringing smiles and warmth to the day.

This initiative is part of a broader effort to support women and children by improving access to healthcare and creating safe community spaces within the iSimangaliso Wetland Park World Heritage Site. The programme is supported by the iSimangaliso Marine Protected Area (MPA) Ecosystem-based Adaptation (EbA) Project funded by Blue Action Fund and co-funded by The Light Foundation.

iSimangaliso Wetland Park ezemvelokznwildlife Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment

WILDTRUST, a South African not-for-profit, public benefit, non-governmental organisation, seeks qualified candidates to apply for the following position:

Linefish Monitor – Nyembe (X2)
Linefish Monitor – Nqutshini (X1)

Applicants for this position must reside within the uThukela MPA project areas, specifically the Nyembe or Nqutshini communities. Preference will be given to suitably qualified and experienced candidates from these communities.

TO APPLY:
Applicants who meet the requirements must submit an application letter (in English or in isiZulu) motivating (i) why they should be considered for the position, (ii) include their full name (first name and surname), ID number, the area where they live, and a telephone number where they can be contacted in your letter.

(iii) In your letter, please indicate if you have been a monitor previously, and any previous work experience you have. (iv) Submit a letter from iNduna as proof of being a resident of Nyembe Community.

For any queries, contact: Sikhumbuzo Mkhwanazi (Community Co-Management Facilitator) – 082 800 9435.

Submission of application: You can drop off your application at the Nyembe and Nqutshini Hub or email it to [email protected].

Closing Date: 05 June 2026

For more information:
https://www.wildtrust.co.za/vacancies

Last week, WILDTRUST hosted a Climate-smart Cooking Demonstration, led by the uThukela Marine Protected Area (MPA) Ecosystem-based Adaptation (EbA) Project in the Nqutshini Area under the Macambini Traditional Authority.

The event aimed to equip the community with the knowledge, skills, and tools to conserve energy and water, promote healthy cooking and organic farming. WILDTRUST’s Nokuthula Mdletshe explained the benefits of using energy-efficient cooking methods, noting that they save money and reduce environmental damage.

Mary Basson from Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife, discussed the benefits of energy-efficient cooking and key fire safety practices. She shared suitable firewood options the community could use for energy-efficient cooking methods. The event was also joined by the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Health who discussed the importance of eating healthy.

The event concluded with community members participating in a prize draw. Lucky community members got the chance to walk away with various prizes to support energy-efficient cooking.

This initiative was made possible through the support of the Blue Action Fund.

ezemvelokznwildlife Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment National Department of Health (South Africa)

WILDTRUST, a South African not-for-profit, public benefit, non-governmental organisation, seeks qualified candidates to apply for the following position:

Senior Project Manager - iSimangaliso Marine Protected Areas (MPA) Ecosystem-based Adaptation (EbA) Project

The successful candidate’s responsibilities will include but are not limited to project management, coordination of project activities in accordance with time-bound workplans, staff and budget management, monitoring and evaluation, financial and narrative progress reporting, liaison with project partners (government and NGOs), sub-grantees and sub-contractors, researchers and stakeholders.

To Apply:
Submit a covering letter with a 2/3 page CV, and at least 3 references to [email protected] by 4 June 2026.

Short-listed candidates must be available for interviews on 9 & 10 June 2026.

For more information:
https://www.wildtrust.co.za/vacancies

Today, the WILDOCEANS programme of the WILDTRUST, celebrates the International Day for Biological Diversity under this year’s theme, “Acting Locally for Global Impact,” by recognising the importance of healthy oceans, estuaries, and coastal ecosystems that sustain an extraordinary diversity of marine life. From kelp forests and mangroves to turtles, sharks, rays, and countless fish species, ocean biodiversity is essential for supporting livelihoods, maintaining ecosystem balance, and sustaining life on Earth.

Through scientific research, conservation initiatives, and support for Marine Protected Areas (MPAs), the programme works alongside scientists, conservationists, and local communities to protect and restore marine biodiversity. The WILDOCEANS programme focuses on expanding marine conservation efforts, safeguarding endangered species, promoting sustainable ocean use, and empowering communities to become active stewards of ocean health for future generations.

WILDTRUST recently hosted its second annual internal Communications, Brand and Marketing training for the new cohort of the Youth Employment Services (YES) employees funded by Nedbank. Held over two days at the organisation’s Durban offices, the training accommodated nine new communications and media assistants from uThukela, iSimangaliso, and Pietermaritzburg, along with an administrative assistant from Durban.

This was aimed to equip them with skills to gather and share impactful community and conservation stories, engage effectively with communities, and follow organisational administrative processes.

The sessions were facilitated by Thandeka Hlongwa, Social Media Coordinator and supervisor of the community media assistants. The programme opened with presentations from Lauren van Nijkerk, Director of Campaigns and Communications, and Buyisiwe Makhoba-Dlamini, Campaigns, Partnerships and Donor Relations Manager, who introduced WILDTRUST’s history, brand identity, and the importance of effective communication and marketing within the NGO sector.

The training focused on storytelling fundamentals, including workflow processes, content expectations, and media ethics, complemented by interactive practical activities. The final day covered financial procedures and organisational systems, followed by hands-on photography and videography sessions designed to strengthen the assistants’ content creation skills.

WILDTRUST is proud to welcome the new YES employees, who will be stationed across the WILDTRUST project Community Resource Hubs and offices in Durban and Pietermaritzburg.



Nedbank

From aquarium tunnels to seabird hospitals and powerful conversations with some of South Africa’s leading marine scientists, the WILDOCEAN’s 2024 and 2025 cohorts of Ocean Stewards recently embarked on an immersive three-day learning exchange in the Western Cape.

Designed to expose young ocean leaders to the many dimensions of the marine sector, the experience explored marine conservation, marine biodiversity, wildlife rehabilitation, aquarium operations, and the wide range of careers shaping the future of ocean stewardship.

A major highlight of the trip was a visit to the Two Oceans Aquarium, where participants went behind the scenes to learn about South Africa’s marine ecosystems, turtle rehabilitation, jellyfish development, and aquarium operations.

The group also had the unique opportunity to attend a private lecture with renowned marine biologists George Branch and Margo Branch, whose stories and insights from decades of ocean research left a lasting impression on participants. The session ended with a special signing of their book, The Living Shores.

At SANCCOB saves seabirds, Ocean Stewards gained firsthand insight into the rescue and rehabilitation of endangered seabirds, learning more about the realities of marine wildlife conservation and the urgent environmental challenges affecting South Africa’s coastline.

The exchange wrapped up with an inspiring Spark Talk at Home Brew Studios, featuring an engaging session by Leigh de Necker on sharks, rays, and marine biodiversity. The afternoon created space for curiosity, storytelling, connection, and meaningful conversations about the future of our oceans.

More than just a trip, the exchange was a space for inspiration, mentorship, and discovery, empowering the next generation of ocean leaders with new knowledge, connections, and a deeper sense of purpose in protecting our blue planet.

Thank you to the Blue Action Fund and Ocean Kind for making this trip possible.

The iSimangaliso Marine Protected Area (MPA) Ecosystem-based Adaptation (EbA) project Community Resource Hubs have played an important role in supporting women and children within local communities.

They offer a range of facilities, including bakeries that provide communities with fresh, high-quality bread, which is also used to make sandwiches for children from neighbouring primary and secondary schools attending the Community Resource Hub for homework support.

Beyond food provision, the bakeries create valuable skills development and employment opportunities for women. The women have been equipped with essential skills, including commercial bread-making skills from SASKO, one of the country’s leading bread producers.

This initiative forms part of a broader effort to empower women in the iSimangaliso Wetland Park World Heritage Site area by equipping them with skills and knowledge and creating safe, supportive spaces where their children can thrive. Made possible through funding from The Light Foundation and Blue Action Fund.

This week marked a proud milestone as WILDTRUST hosted a site visit for its second hub under the uThukela Marine Protected Area (MPA) Ecosystem-based Adaptation (EbA) project in the Nqutshini community, under the Macambini Traditional Authority.

The project team was honoured to welcome Inkosi Mathaba, accompanied by community leaders and community members, from the Macambini Traditional Authority.

The visit, preceding the official launch later this year, included a guided tour of the hub, showcasing its facilities. Once operational later this year, the hub will bring essential resources closer to the community, including a library, computer lab and a welcoming space for meetings and community activities.

This initiative is made possible with funding from the Blue Action Fund.

ezemvelokznwildlife Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment