I can hardly believe we are nearing the end of September. But what an incredible seven months it has been! Witnessing the waves of positive change that have spread through the Londolozi Ripple Fund has been nothing short of magic. From small acts of kindness to transformative community projects, the impact of our collective efforts has been profound and has made such a positive difference.
Let’s dive into some of the highlights that have made the last couple of months very special.
Mandela Day: Turning 67 Minutes into a lasting impact
This year’s Mandela Day challenge was simple: What could the Londolozi family achieve in just 67 minutes? The answer was, as it turns out, a lot! Our team, guests, and community came together, creating ripples that are still being felt today. Here’s a summary of what we managed to achieve:
💙 489 seedling bags were prepped for Charles’ Nursery!
💙 176 laps around a 1.5km loop. And for each loop, Londolozi made a R1000 donation. Some of our guests were generous enough to match fund the Londolozi donation!
💙 22 school bags were filled with school supplies and 2 large boxes of educational toys and resources for the Nhlalala classrooms.
💙 280 aloes, 100 speckboom and 8 trees were planted in the Londolozi village gardens
💙 35 litres of vegetable soup was cooked for the children and teachers of Tshemba Hosi.
💙 The Londolozi Creche Playground was repainted.
In just over an hour, we saw what happens when a community comes together with purpose—true magic!
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Partnerships that make a difference
Good Work Foundation
The success of the Londolozi Ripple Fund is built on partnerships with organizations that share our vision of sustainable change. The Good Work Foundation (GWF) is one such partner, dedicated to providing digital education and skills training to rural communities. By empowering individuals with the knowledge and tools needed for the modern world, GWF is creating a ripple effect of opportunity and progress across South Africa.
Tracker Academy & Rhino Guardians
Londolozi has, for many years, valued our partnership with Tracker Academy and more recently with the Rhino Guardians programme. This year, we made history by welcoming Tsundzukani Whati as the first female tracker to graduate from Tracker Academy – the first the industry has ever seen! We are thrilled to have her join our team as Londolozi’s first female tracker. Tsundzukani is not only making history but is also paving the way for future generations in conservation.
The Rhino Guardians programme has expanded and has opened its new campus, Sandringham, within the Timbivati Nature Reserve. The stunning 24-bed training camp offers 20,000 hectares of training land for unparalleled learning and growth. The strategic move consolidated the Rhino Guardians’ training operations into two camps, Londolozi and Sandringham, fostering synergy, efficiency and economies of scale, working tirelessly to protect Africa’s endangered rhinos.
Lessons in Conservation
The Lessons in Conservation (LiC) program is more than just an educational initiative; it’s the first step in shaping the next generation of wildlife guardians. At the beginning of 2024, we set ourselves the goal of teaching 200 learners in the communities surrounding Londolozi. We reached this goal in August!! This incredible initiative isn’t just about learning; it’s about inspiring a lifelong commitment to conservation. After six interactive classroom sessions, students embark on an unforgettable game drive at Londolozi, where they witness firsthand the beauty and importance of the natural world.
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Small Gestures, Big Impact
Hlayisekani Orphanage
Londolozi donated mattresses and loungers, ensuring that the differently-abled kids no longer crawl on concrete floors. The donation of books, and toys was very happily received too!
Nhlalala Primary School
From donations as humble as mattresses to something as significant as a new roof, we are reminded how small gestures can result in significant, long-lasting change.
Londolozi Chef Sipho builds toys at Nhlalala with a few happy students
These endeavours remind us that our commitment to uplifting communities knows no limits. Together, we celebrate these shining lights and dream of continuing to support and assist wherever we can, ensuring that the Ripple Effect reverberates far beyond our borders.
Growing Together: The Ripple Fund Farmers
Winter in the Lowveld has brought crisp, clear days and gentle weather perfect for farming. This season has been crucial for our Ripple Fund farmers, who are using the mild winter climate to their advantage. These conditions help reduce pests and diseases, ensuring a bountiful harvest.
Charles Mdluli ~ A shining light
Managing a roadside nursery in Belfast, Charles is the definition of resourcefulness. With the Ripple Fund’s support, he’s expanding his operations with new equipment like a water pump, water tank, grow bags, and shade netting. His nursery isn’t just surviving—it’s thriving.
Charles’ Wishlist:
- Waterpump – $450
- Water tank – $350
- Grow bags – $50
- Shade netting – $1600
- Generator – $800
Nkhensani ~ A woman with a vision
Nkhensani is transforming her land into a permaculture farm that serves as both a business and a teaching space. We’ve helped her build shade net structures, set up her first composting area, and planted seedlings and trees. Her next big dream? A multipurpose building that will further her mission.
Nkhensani’s Wishlist:
- Multi-purpose building – $27,400
- Earthworks – $100
Frank ~ A journey of resilience
Despite setbacks like the bird flu crisis and a farm fire, he’s been growing his chicken flock and nurturing a flourishing veggie patch. His plans include expanding with more chickens and securing his food forest with proper fencing.
Frank’s Wishlist:
- Chickens – $1600
- Fencing for food forest – $170
David ~ The brightest smiler
Facing the tough realities of farming in Africa, David is focused on improving his water storage and shade netting. These upgrades will help his crops thrive under the harsh summer sun. David’s farm is a beacon of productivity, and with the Ripple Fund’s support, it’s only going to get better.
David’s Wishlist:
- Shade netting – $2200
- Water tank – $330
- Storeroom – $110,000
How to Contribute
- If you would like some more detailed, one-on-one information, or if you would like to make a donation to the Londolozi Ripple Fund and start your own ripple effect, please reach out to us at ripple@londolozi.co.za
- Donate to serving to save with Lessons In Conservation
- Donate to reimagining education with The Good Work Foundation (use the #Londolozi in the comments section)
- Donate to the preservation of ancient knowledge and the creation of safe havens for iconic species like the rhino with Tracker Academy and Rhino Guardians (use the #Londolozi in the subject line)
Stay in the Ripple
To stay connected, we have established a Londolozi Ripple Fund Impact site as well as a Ripple Fund Instagram page where you can follow regular updates on projects and donations as they unfold and follow work that has already been successfully completed. If you would like to receive the Londolozi Ripple Fund Impact newsletter, please let us know on ripple@londolozi.co.za
In the words of Margaret Mead – Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.
Let Your Life Create A Ripple Effect
Every contribution, no matter how small, assists with the ripple effect. Whether you’ve donated, visited our projects, or simply shared our story, you’re part of a community that’s making waves of positive change. Thank you for being part of this incredible journey – we are just getting started!
*The Ripple Fund is a private fund, administered by Londolozi, that provides seed funding without taking any fees. Your entire contribution will be provided to the cause that you choose. Should you require a tax certificate for your contribution, please donate to one of our two official NGO partners, The Good Work Foundation or The Tracker Academy.
Shannon, thank you for the update. We will continue to give for the future of all people. It is nice to see the pictures of the farmers and educators in action.
Thank you, William.
Thank you Shannon for providing this year-to-date summary for the Ripple Fund, an ongoing resource for positive changes in the lives of many. Hopefully these individuals highlighted in your article today, will be granted some if not all of their wishes.
I’m thrilled to play a small part and look forward to my visit beginning in a week when hopefully I can spend a bit of time visiting with one of the fund recipients. It’s a special part of my visit …..
Thank you, Denise. We are so grateful for your continued support!
The ripple effect is effective and helpful to the growing community and all it’s diversity. Thanks for the update Shanon. These photos of the people needing different things for their work to be able to be more productive, hopefully their needs will be met.
Thank you for your kind words, Valmai.