SEFAPANE FOUNDATION

THE SEFAPANE FOUNDATION AND DEVELOPMENT TRUST

Sefapane’s commitment to educate young people about nature and provide the foundational skills that will prepare them for a future in tourism, conservation or hospitality is well-known. “We have found a way to give back. There is a lot of need, but also a lot of talent,” says Joris Bertens MD.

 

Established in 2005, the foundation is the brainchild of Bertens, and a perfect way to connect tourism to people.. Passionate about conservation and children, he says of the Eco Kids programme, “we need to get kids into nature, not to entertain young people but to give them a look at their future.”

Partners include:

  • TUI Care Foundation
  • HBIS Group / Palaborwa
  • Mining Company
  • SANParks
  • Kruger to Canyons
  • Biosphere Region
  • Nourish
  • Department of Environmental Affairs

We also work with Teachers for Africa, Bambanani Trust and Wildshots Outreach and collaborate with the Endangered Wildlife Trust, Elephants Alive, SAEON and various universities to support conservation-oriented research and projects.

ECOKIZ

Each year, we take kids from communities close to Kruger National Park on day and weekend excursions to experience conservation first hand. We also provide nature conservation education at their schools. This is part of Sefapane lodge and Safaris’ commitment to corporate social responsibility, run through the Sefapane Foundation and Development Trust.