At just 28 years old, Anele Ntshiyane from KwaNobuhle township is blazing a trail in conservation leadership. Her inspiring journey began with the Siyazenzela Employability, Wellness, and Leadership Training programme at Nyosi Wildlife Reserve—part of the broader Greening Young Futures programme, designed to equip vulnerable youth with the skills and opportunities to become custodians of Africa’s wildlife and biodiversity.
Driven by partnerships with Wilderness Foundation Africa, Nyosi Wildlife Reserve, and the Connected Planet Foundation, the programme blends employability, wellness, and leadership training with transformative, nature-based experiences. For Anele, the month-long Siyazenzela programme opened doors to opportunities she could only dream of. The course focuses on emotional, social, occupational, and environmental wellness, equipping participants with tools for employment, higher education, or entrepreneurship. A key highlight is the Wilderness Trail, where participants experience the healing power of nature while building inner resilience and self-confidence.
Anele’s passion for conservation quickly set her apart, earning her a spot in the prestigious Wildlife Champions programme. Each year, two exceptional graduates of Siyazenzela are chosen as Rhino Champions, where they undertake six-month internships at Nyosi Wildlife Reserve. This immersive experience introduces them to conservation, ecotourism, wildlife protection, and community engagement.
As a Rhino Champion, Anele gained hands-on experience working alongside conservationists and participated in a groundbreaking rhino translocation project. Reflecting on her role, she shared, “My favourite part was when we became the eyes of the rhino. We led them into the crate, which I liked a lot because the safety of the rhinos was in our hands.” The experience, which included flying on an aeroplane for the first time and working alongside seasoned conservationists, was a huge milestone in her journey.
Recognised for her dedication and potential, Anele was selected as the programme’s first Cheetah Champion. This prestigious role pairs conservation with leadership as champions walk their journey “hand-in-paw” with rewilded cheetahs. Anele works closely with Nkanyiso, a captive-bred cheetah rewilded at Nyosi Wildlife Reserve. Anele even named Nkanyiso, meaning “light” in Xhosa, and is part of the team supporting her transition back to the wild. Their bond has deepened as they’ve walked this journey together, both as mothers, with Nkanyiso recently becoming a mother herself.
Beyond her work with cheetahs, Anele dreams of becoming the first female Xhosa-speaking field guide from KwaNobuhle. She has completed the theoretical component of her FGASA certification (Field Guides Association of Southern Africa) and is now focused on practical training. Anele has also been job-shadowing experienced guides at Nyosi Wildlife Reserve, gaining hands-on experience and honing the skills needed to turn her dream into a reality. Her role at Nyosi also extends to hospitality, where she serves as a guest relations officer, showcasing her versatility and leadership.
Through the skills she gained through the Siyazenzela programme, Anele has grown into a well-rounded conservation professional, combining her passion for wildlife with a talent for connecting with people. Her journey is a testament to the programme’s mission to empower youth while inspiring a new generation of conservation leaders.
The Greening Young Futures programme doesn’t stop with individual success stories like Anele’s. Its holistic approach targets youth from communities like KwaNobuhle, Greenbushes, and St Albans, offering education and training to address social, environmental, and occupational wellness.
The programme’s Wildlife Champions initiative takes this empowerment further, providing graduates with hands-on conservation roles. As Rhino Champions and Cheetah Champions, they gain life-changing opportunities to engage with Africa’s wildlife and inspire a ripple effect of environmental stewardship within their communities. Through partnerships, innovation, and the dedication of young leaders like Anele, the programme is shaping a brighter future—for the people, the wildlife, and the planet.