Stud Game Breeders® reaches R10 million bursary milestone

Partnership with TUT shapes future conservation professionals

Jacques Malan, Stud Game Breeders® Chairperson. Twenty-one Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) students studying wildlife management and conservation moved a step closer to reaching their dreams when they received bursaries worth R647 731 from Stud Game Breeders® on 14 July.

Since its establishment in 2011, Stud Game Breeders® has invested more than R10 million into TUT’s Nature Conservation students. What began with support for two students has grown into one of South Africa's most successful private-sector conservation education partnerships, awarding 338 bursaries over 15 years. The programme is funded by proceeds from Stud Game Breeders® auctions.

Addressing the prestigious bursary award ceremony at the University's Pretoria Campus, President Cyril Ramaphosa challenged recipients to become a generation that transforms South Africa's conservation sector with science, technology, knowledge and strong values.

"We recognise your potential. We believe that you belong in this sector and we are prepared to invest in your future. We hope that you will become part of a generation that transforms South Africa's conservation sector. This sector needs your knowledge, your energy and your ideas."

He encouraged students to embrace science and technology as essential tools for modern conservation, saying the future of wildlife management depends on professionals who understand scientific innovation and can apply new technologies to conservation challenges.

Jacques Malan, Stud Game Breeders® Chairperson, said the bursaries represent far more than financial assistance. “This is an investment in South Africa's future conservation leaders and a commitment to developing skilled professionals who will protect the country's rich biodiversity,” he said.

President Cyril Rampaphosa addressing the twenty-one bursary recipients. Both President Ramaphosa and Malan urged recipients to make full use of every opportunity available by attending lectures, completing practical training, asking questions and seeking mentors who can help them grow professionally. They reminded students that learning extends beyond lecture halls and textbooks to people with years of practical experience in conservation and wildlife management.

The bursary recipients, who are studying towards Diplomas and Advanced Diplomas in Wildlife Management and Nature Conservation and come from rural communities and previously disadvantaged backgrounds, agreed that the bursaries will empower them to focus on their studies, without worrying about financial barriers. They also indicated personal commitment to one day support other young students to reach their dreams.  

In his brief intervention, Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Prof Tinyiko Maluleke, said the partnership demonstrates how collaboration between higher education and industry prepares graduates for South Africa's future of work.

Prof Tinyiko Maluleke, Vice-Chancellor and Principal Prof Maluleke pointed out that over the past few years, TUT has built an unrivalled industry-university partnership model that brings industry to the University campus and vice versa. He went on to speak about how "the challenge of unemployment has prompted TUT to reshape its academic strategy, now focusing on problem-solving, innovation, artificial intelligence, future readiness and entrepreneurship”. Prof Maluleke underscored how Stud Game Breeders® and their farms have become an essential laboratory for these ideas to take practical shape.

Colin Engelbrecht, Wildlife Ranching South Africa Chairperson, said conservation and sustainable wildlife use are inseparable and graduates will play an important role in advancing biodiversity conservation, scientific research, economic growth and rural development.

Dr Nimmi Seoraj-Pillai, Head of Nature Conservation, thanked Stud Game Breeders® for investing in students and in TUT's academic mission.

Prof Ntebogeng Mokgalaka-Fleischmann, Executive Dean of the Faculty of Science, delivering a word of thanks to the sponsors and guests. "Each bursary awarded today represents more than financial assistance. It symbolises belief in our students, belief in Nature Conservation and belief in TUT's academic project."

President Ramaphosa also commended TUT for its long-standing contribution to conservation education, saying the University has established itself as a trusted partner for Stud Game Breeders® in the quest for the development of highly skilled wildlife management and nature conservation professionals.

Colin Engelbrecht, CEO of Wildlife South Africa.

Bursary recipients

Dr Nimmi Seoraj-Pillai, Head of Nature Conservation