In a celebration of academic excellence and transformative partnership, the Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) hosted a prestigious bursary ceremony, during which Stud Game Breeders® awarded bursaries worth R900 000 to students in the Department of Nature Conservation. The event marked another significant milestone in an enduring relationship that continues to change lives and build a sustainable future for South Africa’s wildlife industry
The bursaries, awarded for the 2025 academic year, were presented to 52 students pursuing a range of qualifications, including Diplomas in Wildlife Management and Nature Conservation , Advanced Diplomas, the Postgraduate Diploma in Conservation Management, Master of Applied Sciences and PhD programmes. This year also marked the first time that students beyond the diploma level were included in the funding initiative, underscoring the growing scope and impact of the Stud Game Breeders® Transformation Fund.
Since its inception in 2011, the Fund has demonstrated unwavering commitment to transformation in the wildlife industry. What began with support for just two students has grown into a formidable effort: to date, 317 bursaries have been awarded, amounting to a cumulative investment of more than R9.5 million in TUT’s Wildlife Management and Nature Conservation students. The Fund is financed through proceeds from auctions hosted by the Stud Game Breeders® members and is fully committed to advancing transformation through education.
“Transformation is critical for the sustained success of the wildlife economy in South Africa and educational opportunities help to empower young people,” said Jacques Malan, Chairman of Stud Game Breeders®. “To become a successful stud game breeder, you must persevere and be the best version of yourself. It takes dedication, hard work and a continued belief in yourself. Nobody owes you anything, only you can make the difference.”
The bursaries will assist students with tuition and accommodation, easing the financial burden as they pursue careers in wildlife management and conservation. This follows a substantial combined bursary award of R2.2 million for the 2023 and 2024 academic years, reflecting the organisation’s consistent investment in wildlife management and conservation as well as youth development.
Richard York, CEO of Wildlife Ranching South Africa, delivered the keynote address, highlighting the significant contribution of the wildlife economy, particularly through wildlife management, to South Africa’s GDP.
“Many wildlife ranches are located on marginal land unsuitable for conventional agriculture or livestock farming. Within the wildlife economy, both live game breeding and the hunting industry have experienced substantial growth in recent years, continuing to play a vital role in economic development, job creation and conservation efforts," he said.
Dr Nimmi Seoraj Pillai, Head of the Department of Nature Conservation, commended and thanked SGB for the ongoing support. “Today, as we acknowledge the bursaries so generously donated by Stud Game Breeders®, we do more than thank a donor. We recognise a long-standing partner that understands the immense value of investing in people, in potential, and in purpose. Each bursary awarded today, represents more than just financial assistance; it symbolises belief, belief in our students, belief in the Department of Nature Conservation and belief in TUT’s academic project.”
The bursary recipients, many from rural and previously marginalised communities, now have the opportunity to pursue qualifications that will not only enhance their own prospects but contribute meaningfully to conservation science, wildlife tourism and the broader game breeding industry. Their education will prepare them to meet the environmental and socio-economic challenges facing South Africa’s protected areas and natural heritage.
The Stud Game Breeders® Transformation Fund awarded bursaries to 52 students pursuing a range of qualifications, including Diplomas in Wildlife Management and Nature Conservation , Advanced Diplomas, the Postgraduate Diploma in Conservation Management, Master of Applied Sciences and PhD programmes.