Amakhala Foundation

Empowering communities and conserving our environment from cradle to career!

The Amakhala Foundation works to support the community and conservation work of the Amakhala Game Reserve, as well as spearhead education initiatives through the Amakhala Conservation Centre. Launched in 2009 to celebrate the Reserve’s 10-year anniversary, the Foundation is guided by a board of five trustees and is funded through generous contributions from donors as well as a portion of lodge bookings via bed levies from all commercial lodges on the reserve.

The Amakhala Foundation focuses on the following projects:

1. Environmental Education

The Foundation’s Environmental Education programme is dedicated to inspiring a deep appreciation for nature among youth who visit the Amakhala Conservation Centre (ACC). By fostering awareness and understanding, we aim to empower future generations to value and protect our natural ecosystems.

Throughout the year various learners in different age groups are able to participate in a range of learning opportunities hosted by the Amakhala Foundation.

Because of an ongoing partnership with Coaching for Conservation, 10-year-olds engage in fun and educational activities—like learning about rhinos through soccer—blending conservation awareness with active play.

Local primary school learners participate in immersive education days at the ACC year round, particularly during key environmental events such as National Water Week in March, World Environment Day in June, and Arbor Week in September.

High school students are able to spend a day exploring diverse habitats, learning about ecosystems, and observing wildlife in their natural surroundings during guided game drives at Amakhala Game Reserve. University students gain hands-on experience through visits to the ACC and by conducting specialized research projects on the reserve.

Each year, nearly 2,000 individuals of all ages connect with nature through our educational initiatives—building a stronger, more informed commitment to conservation.

2. Isipho Charity Trust

The Isipho Charity Trust is an independent, community-based organisation serving the town of Paterson. Through its dedicated Centre, Isipho supports over 300 children with a range of vital services—including two preschool classes, an after-care programme, a feeding scheme, school material support, and psycho-social care. The Trust also plays a key role in providing HIV/AIDS education within the local community.

Amakhala has been closely involved in Isipho’s growth from the early days, contributing half of the funding required to purchase the Centre’s property and offering expertise through two Amakhala team members who serve on the Isipho Board.

Today, Amakhala continues to support the Centre through contributions toward operational costs and assistance with special projects, helping to ensure Isipho remains a lifeline for the children and families it serves.

3. Education & Skills Development

At the Amakhala Foundation, investing in people is central to our mission and we support a range of education and skills development initiatives that uplift both our staff and their families.

Staff members benefit from ongoing in-house training, equipping them to grow into new roles and take on greater responsibilities. These programmes include Hospitality and Guiding Learnerships, as well as training in leadership, parenting, and financial literacy.

As part of our commitment to staff development, the Amakhala Foundation offers access to Lobster Ink—an internationally recognised digital learning platform that provides a wide range of hospitality-related courses. Through video content and online assessments, staff members have the opportunity to gain formal training and certification that supports both their current roles and future career growth.

The first recipients of this training, 20 staff members from Amakhala Game Reserve, proudly received their Lobster Ink certificates at special graduation events in 2025. In total, over 80 certificates were awarded, with one dedicated team member completing more than 20 courses.

4. iJosi Preschool

The iJosi Preschool, supported by the Amakhala Foundation, continues to grow as a nurturing and engaging early learning environment for young children in our community.

Bev Brunette has been employed one day a week to mentor Teacher Vanessa Gama in introducing Montessori-inspired methods, focusing on exploratory and sensory learning. Bev also enriches the children’s experience through weekly drumming sessions, encouraging creativity and rhythm through music.

Technology is now integrated into the teaching process, with teachers regularly using a classroom laptop as a learning and planning tool. A new staff member assists with cleaning twice a week and preparing daily breakfast, ensuring that each child starts their day with a nutritious meal.

5. Conservation & Protection

The Amakhala Foundation plays a vital role in supporting conservation efforts and safeguarding the natural environment across the reserve.

Key contributions include funding five full-time workers for the Vegetation Rehabilitation Project, supporting safe wildlife movement with camera traps, and enhancing the Anti-Poaching Unit through surveillance installations.

6. Digital Learning

Digital learning is crucial for bridging the digital divide in rural communities. It provides access to educational resources, equips students with essential digital literacy skills, and supports conservation monitoring. By integrating digital learning, the Foundation empowers individuals and communities while fostering education and conservation awareness.

Literacy Coordinator for the Amakhala Foundation, Cathy Gush, tells us more about the different Educational Projects she heads up in our local community and surrounding areas.

CERTIFICATE OF ACHIEVEMENT

In celebration of the tremendous contribution to education and conservation within the local community over the past decade, we are proud to award the Amakhala Foundation with this certificate of achievement. This award recognizes the Foundation's successes in line with its vision to provide motivation and support to local community members through educational and conservation projects. These projects have empowered local citizens to improve their lives and enrich the Amakhala community that they are an integral part of.

Many of these projects are funded by outside donations. Should you wish to contribute and make a difference in the lives of the Amakhala community members, please visit our Conservation Fund .

Award Nominations

2018 At the Kudu Award Ceremony; an annual SANParks event in Pretoria, the ACC was presented with an Environmental Education/Capacity Building Merit Award.
2014 Runner up in the “Skills for Sustainability Award Category” in the Mail & Guardian 2014 Greening the Future Awards.
2012 Amakhala Foundation listed as a finalist in the category of “Best Social Involvement” for an Umvelo Award and as a finalist for a Virgin Holidays Responsible Tourism Award.
2011 The Conservation Centre nominated as a finalist for a Kudu Award, for the environmental education programme that it runs.