Celebrating Women at the Southern African Wildlife College

As we celebrate National Women's Day in South Africa, it's a fitting time to recognise and honour the women working in support of conservation, particularly here at the Southern African Wildlife College (SAWC).?

In celebrating the trailblazers at the College; at the helm is CEO Theresa Sowry . Theresa is part of the now all-women executive management team, which includes the Executive Manager of Marketing, Fundraising and Media Relations, Jeanne Poultney , and the Executive Manager of Finance, Sharmain Hanekom. This dynamic trio's collaborative spirit and strategic vision have not only strengthened the institution's mission but led to the College’s holistic and applied approach to conservation training and skills development, as well as to significant advancements in fundraising, financial stewardship, and public outreach, ensuring the sustainability and impact of SAWC's initiatives.?

Some of the College’s departments are also headed by women, including those overseeing critical areas like conservation education and skills development, research, quality assurance, and hospitality.?

Dr Lindy Thompson , a woman with a deep-rooted passion for avian studies, has dedicated her career to understanding and protecting bird species across southern Africa. We are fortunate to have her in the Applied Learning and Research Department (ALRD). In the same department, we also have two other impressive women, Marina Khoza , ALRD Lecturer, whose departmental updates and thought-provoking articles have been published on our LinkedIn page together with Natashia Khosa, our proficient ALRD Administrator.

Anelle Rautenbach leads the Quality Management and Accreditation (QMA) department, which ensures that the College maintains and enhances its educational standards. Together with the Student Administration and Programme Support department, which is 71% female, the QMA Department ensures that the SAWC delivers quality training products, preparing students to excel in their conservation careers.?

The Hospitality Department, led by Ms. Hazel Timm, predominantly comprises women who effectively work in this high-pressure environment to ensure the College students, guests and staff are well taken care of.? Moreover, the Human Resources, Finance and Marketing, Fundraising, and Media Relations Departments are all made up of women.?

Notably and from a career perspective, a group of students from neighbouring community high schools recently visited the College as part of the KHETA Voices of Future Conservation Leaders essay competition. Having been exposed to the College, and its personnel, they have started looking at conservation as a possible future career path, including the possibility of becoming a field ranger. It would therefore be remiss of us not to mention the women in the College’s Protected Area Integrity Department who train those on the frontline of conservation. Kelly Nendouvhada is the only female Field Ranger Trainer at the College, together with Precious Malapane, Deployment Manager/Trainer and Annetjie Mkansi, K9 Response Officer Trainer, who both work in the K9 Unit.?

While the College has many other female staff members who have not been mentioned in this article, their dedication and tireless efforts do not go unnoticed as they, together with all the SAWC’s staff, have propelled the institution to new heights. We hope this showcase of career diversity creates a ripple effect, inspiring a new generation of women to pursue careers of their choice. May their example motivate us to break down barriers and create opportunities for women to thrive across all sectors, including conservation. With determination and heart, we can indeed make a world of difference.