By Lolo Maphophe
Youngsters from Makuleke – a remote part of Limpopo, are set to embark on a project to document the abundant birdlife and wildlife in their area as part of a photographic and conservation training project.
Jane Hlongwani, 29, is excited to be part of the 365 Birds in 365 Days campaign, which will benefit 12 young people from the Makuleke Contractual Park and surrounding villages.
The project seeks to ignite a passion for biodiversity conservation among local youth while contributing to the global Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 15.
“This growth has not only enhanced my technical abilities but also boosted my confidence in capturing high-quality images,” Hlongwani said.
Hlongwani hopes to instil not only photography skills but also a new way of seeing the world.
“My hope is that the learners will master camera settings, understand lighting and composition, and develop confidence and self-expression,” she said.
Through this initiative, the youth will document the region’s rich birdlife, combining modern techniques with indigenous knowledge and publish a photobook to sell to tourists, providing economic opportunities for the community. As a precursor to the 365 Birds for 365 Days campaign, Hlongwani was trained together with three other facilitators and they will guide the 12 chosen learners through photography and content creation training for the coming 12 months.
Reflecting on her progress Hlongwani said the training over the last three months has allowed her to master camera handling, capturing authentic moments, and honing adaptability. She believes the skills learners acquire will offer them a solid foundation in photography and inspire them to pursue related careers or personal projects. The project, she emphasised, would also contribute to the Makuleke community’s tourism development, attract tourists, and equip learners with marketable skills. In the same breath, Tlakuso Shibambo, 11, is excited to be chosen as one of the trainees.
“I don’t know how the training will happen, but I look forward to learning as much as I can from Ms Jane,” he enthused.
Aubry Maluleke, Makuleke Contractual Park manager, agrees that this is a unique opportunity for youth in Makuleke.
“This is a rare opportunity for youth who are coming from rural communities, who wouldn’t ordinarily have access to this type of opportunity,” said Maluleke.
The campaign, spearheaded by Beat of Africa, an organisation that offers emerging photographers exhibition opportunities, will officially launch on Monday, September 23, 2024, where 12 youth will be introduced to the world of wildlife photography.
Sewela Mutileni, Beat of Africa content researcher, says the campaign will have youth between ages of 11 and 17 (grades 6-9) undergo training in wildlife photography and storytelling blended with conservation and cultural conservation. The campaign will be implemented at the Makuleke Contractual Park, commonly known as the Pafuri Triangle, which is located in the far north region of the Kruger National Park. At Crook’s Corner, where the Limpopo and Luvuvhu Rivers meet, a section of land known as the triangle forms where it shares a border with Mozambique and Zimbabwe along the Limpopo River. It is a distinct ecological region and a natural route for species moving from north to south and vice versa. The Makuleke Contractual Park came about after a historic land claim agreement between the Makuleke clan and the South African National Parks Board. The history of the Makuleke clan dates back to the 1800s when they settled on the territory between the Limpopo and Luvuvhu Rivers between Mozambique, South Africa and Zimbabwe.
The community was forced to relocate, forced to start over in their current location close to the Kruger National Park, rebuilding their lives. When the area was returned to the Makuleke community through the Land Restitution programme in 1998, they decided to keep it as part of the Kruger Park system and use it to provide jobs and general economic development in the area. Makuleke is home to 80% of biodiversity and one of the few protected areas.
“Young people will be equipped with the skill to capture beautiful images and tell compelling stories that will hopefully archive the knowledge and document hidden treasures in the bird’s habitat for educational purposes,” said Mutileni.
“The goal is to capture stunning photographs of birds so we can publish the photobook.”
A birding hotspot, the park inspired the Beat of Africa Foundation to engage the community in a project that highlights the importance of biodiversity. By tapping into the rich birdlife of the park, the project offers youth an opportunity to document their environment through photography, making conservation accessible and relatable. Participants aged 11 to 17 from local schools will be trained in photography and storytelling, blending modern techniques with indigenous knowledge. Each bird photographed will be accompanied by local stories and cultural significance, ensuring that both environmental and cultural preservation are prioritised. This approach connects the scientific with the traditional, honouring the knowledge of Makuleke elders and integrating it with conservation efforts. Maluleke added that this is in line with the Makuleke Community Property Association’s (CPA) eight priorities.
“These include environmental conservation, stakeholder engagement and youth and economic development which I am entrusted with,” he said.
“We partnered with four primary schools and one high school, which have allowed us to use an hour during school as an extracurricular activity. This ensures that the campaign is not disruptive to school.”
Mutileni said the initiative also aims to generate sustainable income opportunities.
“The photography created during the project will be used to publish a photo book, with sales targeting local lodges and tourists in the area Mutileni said.
The 365 Birds in 365 Days campaign is envisioned as a stepping stone for broader conservation efforts. “Once the project is complete and skills are transferred, the community will take ownership of similar projects,” informs Mtileni. The Foundation hopes to expand this model to other regions across the country. – news@mukurukuru.co.za
