EcoChamps

ERS runs a program targeting local youths with limited tertiary education possibilities, which provides contract employment opportunities for young individuals from local communities to work within their home regions under various ERS programs. These young people are largely excluded from the mainstream conservation job market, and the Ecochamps program provides in-service skills and work exposure. This has allowed some of them to secure permanent employment within ERS and with other organizations.

 Currently, there are eight EcoChamps who form an integral part of the ERS structure as full time employees, amplifying the reach and impact of the organization’s work.These Ecochamps engage directly with traditional authorities and communities, offering support in areas such as rangeland management, spring protection, livestock husbandry, and facilitating knowledge-sharing in community gatherings (indabas). 

In addition to their community-focused responsibilities, EcoChamps play a significant role in citizen-science-based research, as well as learning exchanges with other organizations and government departments, contributing to presentations at conferences, and hosting media to disseminate ERS work and promote the organization’s model.

Youth-focused approach

ERS displays a strong dedication to the youth, emphasizing a youth-focused approach. Our willingness to explore innovative strategies and our commitment to finding solutions are notable strengths. We have conducted extensive training with Ecochamps which signifies a commitment to knowledge and expertise in environmental matters, allowing these young people to contribute valuable insights to their projects.

ERS has a long-standing presence supporting youths in the landscape, enjoying a high level of trust and recognition for our work. Involving village-based youths and building their confidence and capacity is showing their incredible agency for leading change in the area and meaningful climate change mitigation actions.

Morapedi Matla  – EcoChamp

Matla Morapedi joined Environmental and Rural Solutions (ERS) in March 2022 as an EcoChamp. Though initially unfamiliar with ERS’s work, he quickly adapted through various trainings and support from both his fellow EcoChamps and the permanent staff. His dedication and enthusiasm have been key in his efforts to engage communities and promote environmental conservation in five villages under the Makhoba Tribal Authority.

Though unfamiliar with ERS’s work at first, Morapedi quickly adapted through various trainings and support from both his fellow EcoChamps and permanent staff members. His dedication and enthusiasm have been key in his work, which focuses on community engagement and environmental conservation in five villages under the Makhoba Tribal Authority.

Morapedi has been instrumental in renegotiating and renewing conservation agreements in the villages of Mbombo, Shenxa, and Mphotshongweni, while successfully adding Mahangu and Monderstone to the agreements. This work required attending headman and tribal meetings to present and explain the benefits of rangeland grazing associations, a concept that was initially met with resistance from farmers, traditional healers, and community members.

In his role at ERS, Morapedi organizes tribal and headman meetings to present conservation agreements, raises door-to-door awareness about waste management and fire prevention, provides farmers with mobile sheep shearing and cattle auction services, and conducts various surveys. His work is integral to ERS’s mission of improving ecosystem health and community well-being in the Eastern Cape.

Morapedi is currently in his first year of studying for a Higher Certificate in Life and Environmental Science at the University of South Africa (UNISA), with a strong desire to deepen his knowledge in environmental science and continue making a positive impact in his community.

Tukulo Mtshayelo – EcoChamp

Tukulo Mtshayelo joined the SANBI EcoChamps project in December 2020, facilitated by Environmental and Rural Solutions (ERS). After completing a six-month contract, he transitioned into a permanent role with ERS, focusing on improving rangeland management in Matatiele under the Makhoba and Sibi Tribal Authorities. His work spans across four villages, including Black Diamond, Gobizembe, and Magasela, with plans to expand into Bhareni.

Through the support and training provided by ERS, Tukulo quickly adapted to his role and has been an active EcoChamp ever since. After his initial six-month contract, ERS offered him the opportunity to continue working with the organization, focusing on rangeland management. Tukulo now operates under two tribal authorities—Makhoba and Sibi—serving four villages.

Tukulo has introduced sustainable rangeland management practices through Conservation Agreements in Black Diamond, Gobizembe, and Magasela villages, and is working to expand these efforts to Bhareni village. His role involves engaging with traditional leaders at tribal meetings to raise awareness about environmental challenges, such as waste management and wildfire prevention, particularly during the dry season. He also attends community meetings to share knowledge on improving livestock care and rangeland management, offering farmers support with small stock tattooing, vaccinations, and sheep deworming to enhance the local ecosystem.

Currently a first-year student at the University of South Africa (UNISA), Tukulo is pursuing a Higher Certificate in Life and Environmental Science. His work with ERS has deepened his connection with nature and fueled his passion for conservation. By furthering his studies, he hopes to contribute even more to the transformative environmental practices that ERS is implementing across the Eastern Cape.

Nomzamo Phakamisa – EcoChamp

Nomzamo Phakamisa joined Environmental and Rural Solutions (ERS) in November 2020 as an EcoChamp and has since become a key figure in fostering environmental conservation within the Sibi Traditional Authority. Originally from Masakala village, Nomzamo has worked tirelessly to engage with communities and traditional leaders to promote conservation efforts. Her dedication has led to the successful signing of seven Conservation Agreements across villages such as Diping, Bethel, Rantsiki, Makhoaseng, Nkasela, Nkululekweni, and Dikgutlwaneng between 2021 and 2023.

Nomzamo’s role as an EcoChamp goes beyond negotiating conservation agreements; she is passionate about raising awareness on critical environmental issues like waste management and wildfire prevention. Her goal is to drive towards a zero-waste landscape, and she actively participates in tribal meetings, door-to-door surveys, and educational programs to promote sustainable practices.

In addition to her work with ERS, Nomzamo has ventured into entrepreneurship, using the experience and training she gained to start her own poultry business. With the support of her monthly stipend, she purchased 100 laying chickens and now sells eggs to her community, demonstrating her initiative and determination to make a positive impact both environmentally and economically.

Nomzamo is committed to her vision of creating sustainable change in her community, combining her role as an environmental advocate with her entrepreneurial spirit. She believes that youth entrepreneurship can empower young people to thrive and contribute to the prosperity of their communities. 

Nkarabeleng Matabane – EcoChamp

Nkarabeleng Matabane joined Environmental and Rural Solutions (ERS) in June 2022, bringing her passion for environmental conservation to her role as an EcoChamp. Based in Matatiele at Moyaneng and working under the Sibi Traditional Authority, she serves seven villages: Bethel, Tiping, Rantshiki, Nkulekweni, Makhoaseng, Nkasela, and Dikgutlwaneng.

A graduate of Mosa Sibi Secondary School, where she completed her Grade 12 in 2019, Nkarabeleng has always been driven by a deep commitment to her community and the environment. Since joining ERS, she has dedicated her efforts to promoting sustainable practices and educating her community on environmental conservation. 

Nkarabeleng plays a key role in introducing sustainable rangeland practices through Conservation Agreements in various villages. She attends headmen and tribal meetings to present these agreements, engages in door-to-door waste and fire awareness campaigns, and organizes practical initiatives such as sheep shearing, mobile cattle auctions, and small stock tattooing. She also participates in livestock vaccination and deworming programs while conducting essential surveys to assess the progress of conservation efforts.

Her journey at ERS reflects her dedication to making a meaningful impact, and her work continues to empower her community to adopt sustainable practices that will protect the environment for future generations.

Motobatsi Nthunya – EcoChamp

Motobatsi Nthunya joined Environmental and Rural Solutions (ERS) in 2021, bringing a strong dedication to community engagement and conservation efforts. Hailing from Masopha Village under the George Moshesh Tribal Authority, Motobatsi has been instrumental in fostering sustainable relationships with local headmen and community members, helping to secure four Conservation Agreements in Masopha, Mohapi, Tlhakanelo, and Mpharane.

Initially uncertain about his place at ERS, Motobatsi quickly realized the organization’s focus on personal growth and development. Over the past three years, he has gained confidence, improved his public speaking, and deepened his understanding of environmental conservation. ERS’s ongoing awareness programs and farmer training sessions have not only benefited the communities but also helped Motobatsi evolve both personally and professionally.

Motobatsi’s work involves leading community engagement activities, raising awareness on key issues such as waste management, wildfire prevention, and sustainable rangeland practices. His ability to connect with people and negotiate Conservation Agreements has been crucial to ERS’s success in these regions.

Motobatsi’s journey at ERS has inspired him to pursue further education, and he has recently applied for a Higher Certificate in Life and Environmental Sciences. His commitment to learning and passion for making a difference in rural communities continues to guide his path forward.

Zuko Kibi – EcoChamp

Zuko Kibi, hailing from the George Moshesh Tribal Authority in Likamoreng village, is a passionate advocate for environmental conservation and community engagement. Since joining the SANBI Eco-Champs project, facilitated by Environmental and Rural Solutions (ERS) in December 2020, Zuko has been dedicated to sustainable rangeland management and environmental preservation. His initial six-month contract was extended, and he continues to make a positive impact in the field.

Growing up in a rural setting, Zuko deeply understands the importance of conserving natural resources for future generations. His role as an EcoChamp and community liaison involves working closely with communities to promote sustainable practices, particularly in villages such as Mpharane, Masopha, Tlhakanelo, and Mohapi. Zuko leads community meetings, raises awareness about fire and waste management, human-wildlife coexistence, and supports sustainable agricultural practices.

His experience has not only helped improve the landscape but also boosted his confidence, especially in engaging with elders, chiefs, and headmen. This increased his respect for the communities he serves.

Zuko’s commitment to conservation is reflected in his ongoing professional development. He has received training in fire management, human-wildlife coexistence, and small stock management. 

In his continued pursuit of knowledge, Zuko has applied to study Animal Welfare at UNISA, with the goal of further empowering rural communities to protect and preserve their natural resources for sustainable livelihoods.

Luphindile Siwane – EcoChamp

Luphindile Siwane, from Nkosana village in Matatiele, joined Environmental and Rural Solutions (ERS) in March 2022 as an EcoChamp, working under the Nkosana Tribal Authority. Luphindile’s role focuses on bridging the gap between indigenous knowledge and scientific understanding, ensuring that valuable insights from rural communities are brought into conservation practices, while also sharing scientific knowledge with the people in those areas.

He serves the villages of Nkosana, New Nkosana, Mafube, Khaoue, Coshert, Belfort, and Ned, working closely with community members through meetings, one-on-one engagements, and door-to-door visits to promote sustainable landscape practices. Luphindile also plays a key role in negotiating conservation agreements with local communities, successfully establishing five associations that align with resting season practices, with plans to expand into two additional villages, Belfort and Ned.

His work involves registering farmers for cattle auctions, mobile sheep shearing, and breeding certificates for livestock. Through his time at ERS, Luphindile has cultivated a deep love for nature and conservation, which inspired him to pursue further education. He is currently studying for a Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Management at UNISA, applying the knowledge he has gained to enhance his work in promoting sustainable practices in his community.

Vuyolwethu Nomzaza – EcoChamp

Vuyolwethu Nomzaza is a dedicated EcoChamp at Environmental and Rural Solutions (ERS), working primarily under the Mzongwana Tribal Authority to promote environmental conservation and sustainable rangeland management. Born and raised in Ngcwengana village, Vuyolwethu’s journey in environmental stewardship began in 2014 when he joined ERS as a team leader for alien clearing projects. His leadership skills quickly stood out, and by 2017, he was overseeing five teams as a general supervisor.

In 2019, Vuyolwethu expanded his expertise by completing a one-year course in Regenerative Land Management at the Herding Academy in Graaff-Reinet. His passion for correcting past environmental practices and ensuring a sustainable future is what drives his work in rangeland management, which he believes is vital for both current and future generations.

Since rejoining ERS in 2020 as an EcoChamp, Vuyolwethu has been focused on fostering collaboration within his community to conserve nature and restore the land. His hands-on approach, coupled with his commitment to making a positive impact, makes him a key figure in promoting sustainable practices across the Mzongwana Tribal Authority.



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