The African Conservation Trust (ACT) was one of the many organisations that were honoured at the prestigious SANParks Kudu Awards for making a significant impact on communities in Limpopo and Mpumalanga. By establishing community food gardens and initiating sustainable environmental projects, ACT is not only addressing food insecurity but also empowering local residents.
Midrand, South Africa (08 December 2024) – For their incredible impact on sustainable practices and nourishing families who greatly depend on their community food garden programmes in Limpopo and Mpumalanga, the African Conservation Trust (ACT) secured a major win at the South African National Parks (SANParks) Annual Kudu Awards.
ACT was announced as one of the three winners in the category of non-governmental organisation. The award recognised ACT for its community food gardens and its efforts to reduce unemployment in communities surrounding the Kruger National Park. Additionally, the organisation has contributed R22 million to the economies of Limpopo and Mpumalanga.
ACT is a Strategic Implementing Partner (SIP) for the Social Employment Fund (SEF), which is a national mass-employment programme managed by the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC).
Participants initiate food gardens, enjoying the benefit of consuming their own produce, selling the surplus for profit, or donating the food to vulnerable individuals in the community, whilst receiving a stipend from the government for their labour.
The organisation also supports 2,500 participants across four provinces, facilitating agroecological agricultural training, providing basic implements, seedlings and PPE, together with ongoing mentorship and encouragement of entrepreneurial endeavours.
ACT works in KwaZulu-Natal, the Free State, Limpopo and Mpumalanga, managing a broad scope of projects, including food security initiatives in the form of community food gardens, training in agroecological farming practices, bush thinning and alien eradication projects, soil erosion rehabilitation processes, rock art monitoring systems, and the pilot installation of energy-solutions for small businesses in the Township Energy Fund.
To support the NGO’s goals of positively strengthening the connection between food security and wildlife conservation, numerous community food gardens adjacent to or near the Kruger National Park were established over three years in the two provinces neighbouring the wildlife environment; a goal that was achieved through engagement with the Sabi Sands Pfunanani Trust (SSPT) and SANParks.
The SSPT’s efforts were similarly acknowledged at the event with the Community Contribution to Conservation Award, which Community Liaison Manager Isaac Hlatshwayo accepted.
Communal gardens and bush encroachment thinning projects are also well-established in northern KZN, around the rhino reserves, including Manyoni Private Game Reserve, Mkhuze Game Reserve, and the Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park.
ACT’s CEO, Francois du Toit and colleague, Sandile Mathenjwa, ACT project coordinator, were honoured to accept the award on behalf of their organisation.
“This prestigious award is a testament to the dedication and hard work of SEF participants and partners, who are collectively making an enduring impact by working together.
“ACT supports a socially inclusive Conservation Economy that is restorative, recycling, and regenerative – and ultimately respectful to all. This award attests to the progress being made in pursuit of our vision and goal,” said du Toit.
Sources: Supplied
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