Pumba Private Game Reserve

Social Responsibility & Community Upliftment

Social context of the Eastern Cape:

The Eastern Cape Province to date has been identified as one of the provinces most in need of socio-economic development. The Eastern Cape Province is the second largest and poorest province in South Africa and the third largest in terms of its total population, yet there is a high degree of poverty, resulting in the second lowest Human Development Index of the nine provinces. Only 3% of the province falls within formal conservation areas, earmarking PPGR and associated reserves as being important components of biodiversity conservation and socio-economic development.

It has been identified by PPGR that a key aspect of ecotourism / conservation as a means of providing development opportunities is that natural resources are used in a sustainable manner. In addition, conservation also allows threatened species, which cannot coexist within other development frameworks, to survive. With PPGR falling within the Albany hot spot Centre of Floristic Endemism, PPGR would be looking at beneficiating the socio-economic climate of the region and also protecting a unique hotspot for conservation.

Umzi Wethu Stewardship Programme:

The Umzi Wethu Training Academy for Displaced Youth in Port Elizabeth provides certified vocational training, internships and mentoring to qualify AIDS orphans and vulnerable youth for ecotourism jobs secured through partnerships with game reserves such as PPGR, while promoting wellness, equipping them with life skills, and using nature as therapy to support their long-term employability. Umzi Wethu (meaning “Homestead” in isiXhosa) will over a four year period place 84 young people – vulnerable without parents and fragile without income – in touch with experienced mentors, the healing power of nature, training and successful employment. PPGR have engaged in this concept by investing – for a life-changing year – in their future, to create positive ambassadors amidst a shocking reality. At current statistics, there are over 800 000 orphans and vulnerable youth in South Africa, including 88 000 child-headed households. Young people facing hardship through force of circumstance, not lack of talent or ingenuity.

Each young person will experience careful mentoring and accredited training in a safe environment with concentrated and extended time in nature. Through Umzi Wethu and PPGR, each participant will graduate into careers such as a Field Ranger, Field Guide, Chef or Lodge Host.

Makana Business Chamber:

Pumba Private Game Reserve falls under the management of the Makana Municipality. The Makana Business Chamber (MBC), a non profit organisation, has been established, which is an encompassing collective structure of all organised business, which is non-racial, non-political and non-sexist, representing the broader interests of business in the Makana District. The MBC serves to provide organised business in Makana with a mechanism to optimally contribute to economic development on a collective basis. The MBC forms an important benchmark for members providing them with a platform where issues relating to economic development can be debated; where interaction takes place not only amongst members but also other role players, including government, local government and organised labour. The MBC supports it members by enabling them to realise their own objectives, members can have direct contact with the Makana Municipality to address issues concerning business, it also assists with emerging business ventures and creates linkages between small and big businesses. Membership includes organisations such as Nafcoc, Makana Business Forum, Indalo (mentioned previously), Rhodes University, Agriculture, Small Black business and any other organised business approved by the MBC.

Seven Fountains Agri-village:

Pumba Private Game Reserve are currently working with the Makana Municipality to assist in the establishment of a 124 plot Agri-village for a rural RDP housing project at Sevenfountains, which will include a school, clinic, church, police station, sports fields etc. The emphasis here is to enrich the lives of people bordering the reserve, enabling them to benefit from skills development, right the way through to living healthier lifestyles. The establishment of the Agri-village will facilitate the Pumba indigenous staff acquiring their own plot and RDP house. A Pumba bus service runs daily between the Agri-village site and the reserve, transporting staff to and from work.