The Ministry of Forestry, Fisheries and Environment awarded four-year scholarships to two learners. One of them is Kgaugelo Malema, a Year 12 student at Mapanola Secondary School in Mokopane.
At Rapalala Conservation School, located in the heart of the Waterberg region of Limpopo province, Year 10 and 12 students come together every year to mark World Rhino Conservation Day on 22 September to learn about rhinoceros, one of the world's most endangered species. Raising awareness about rhinos.
Rhinos are considered ecosystem engineers because their grazing habits help shape landscapes and support biodiversity. These animals are also key to ecotourism, responsible tourism that respects the environment and people, attracting tourists from around the world and generating much-needed revenue for local economies.
At this year's event, the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and Environment awarded four-year scholarships to two learners. One of them is Kgaugelo Malema, a Year 12 student at Mapanola Secondary School in Mokopane.
“When you go to a competition, you go into it with two mindsets: one is to be disappointed and the other is to win,” Cugauro said. “So when they called my name to pick up the check, it felt like the world had opened the door to success for me.”
She said winning the competition gave her the confidence that she can achieve anything she sets her mind to, regardless of her background or circumstances.
For Kugaugero, the scholarship is not only an opportunity for higher education, but also a way out of community problems such as drug abuse and poverty, and a path to a brighter future where she can contribute.
The school's principal, Mashudu Makoka, stressed that despite the challenges faced by the students, some of whom had to borrow uniforms just to take part in the event, they were putting effort into their presentations. , a stark reminder of the socio-economic inequality that remains prevalent in the South. Africa.
“If you look at the presentation, it really reflects an unequal society because we don't have equal resources and information,” Makoka said.
“However, I am very grateful to all the children who have persevered and gone above and beyond against all odds. Uniforms or not, they have prepared speeches in languages that are not their first language. But I did it.”
He said the scholarship not only provides financial relief but also offers these learners a future free from tuition fees and other financial worries.
“Going to university without knowing where the money to cover tuition fees will come from is very difficult, especially when you think about mothers who are not working.”
The scholarship includes four years of university education plus two years of work experience, ensuring students are well prepared for their future careers.
“It’s great to know that their tuition is covered and that they have two years of work experience ahead of them. It means they can walk into university confidently prepared to succeed,” Makorka said. said.
He said the school's long-term vision is for more graduates from disadvantaged communities to become zoologists, ecologists and scientific services managers, contributing to wildlife conservation efforts in their home regions.
Its focus is to provide young people with the tools to protect and preserve South Africa's natural heritage.
The urgency of rhino conservation is underlined by recent statistics released by the ministry. It said 229 rhinos were poached in the first half of this year, down only slightly from 231 in the same period in 2023. Of these, 191 were killed in 2020. 38 locations on state and private land.
