Guiding Futures - Mabula invests in youth and skills

As Youth Month draws to a close, Mabula Game Lodge is turning inspiration into action by investing in the future of young South Africans through its transformative Mabula Guide Training Internship Programme. The latter is a comprehensive Field Guides Association of Southern Africa (FGASA)-accredited Programme that blends ecological knowledge with practical tourism and hospitality skills. Nestled in the heart of Limpopo’s Waterberg region, Mabula is helping shape a new generation of field guides – passionate, skilled young professionals drawn from surrounding communities – and equipping them with the tools to thrive in the dynamic world of wildlife tourism.

This Programme is more than a training opportunity – it’s a meaningful step towards youth empowerment, employment, and transformation in one of the country’s most vital sectors. 

Training for the future

Launched in 2019, the Programme was created to address a pressing industry need: bridging the field guide skills gap while creating opportunities for local upliftment and long-term employment in the ecotourism space. These trainees are not only learning the technical and environmental aspects of guiding, but also developing essential communication, service, and guest relations skills that open doors to meaningful, future-focused careers.

“It’s an inspiring story of growth, potential, and opportunity,” says Maralize Mulder, Marketing Manager at Extraordinary. “Young South Africans are stepping confidently into roles that protect our heritage, support our economy, and uplift their communities.”

A curriculum built for industry readiness

The three-month residential internship includes accommodation, meals, uniforms, and expert mentorship. Trainees begin by gaining hands-on experience in key lodge departments such as reception, food & beverage, and housekeeping to better understand the guest journey. This foundation is followed by an intensive field guide course comprising 18 in-depth modules, covering:

• Animal behaviour and tracking
• Bird and reptile identification
• Vegetation, ecosystems and biomes
• Weather, astronomy, and navigation
• Guiding ethics, communication and hospitality

Graduates are supported in working towards formal qualifications through FGASA

and The Culture, Arts, Tourism, Hospitality, and Sport Sector Education and Training Authority (CATHSSETA), laying the foundation for entry into the job market as confident, qualified nature guides.

Meet the Faces of the Future

As Youth Month shines a national spotlight on the potential of South Africa’s young people, Mabula is proud to highlight five exceptional trainees currently progressing through the programme:

Johannes Boitumelo Senoamadi (24) From Bela-Bela, Johannes combines a love for storytelling and nature with a strong academic background in subjects like History and Life Sciences.

“Guiding allows me to share the beauty of our province and its cultural and natural treasures,” he says. “Mabula’s sponsorship is a dream come true - it’s my chance to grow into a guide who inspires and educates.”

Matsobane Zacharia Majoko (21) Matsobane’s studies in tourism and technology laid the foundation for his passion for the bush.

“Being a guide means helping others connect with nature,” he says. “In five years, I want to be known across South Africa for creating unforgettable safari experiences.”

Ntokozo Christinah Nkuna (22) Ntokozo’s long-standing love for animals drove her to apply the moment she saw the Mabula opportunity.

“I didn’t have the financial means to pursue guiding on my own,” she says. “This programme is a lifeline. I aim to become one of Mabula’s top guides and help guests see the world through the lens of conservation.”

Mokgaetjie Rose Mogotlane (22) Inspired by wildlife documentaries and the passion of professional guides, Rose knew she had found her calling.

“Watching Mabula’s team in action made it clear what I wanted to do,” she says. “Now I’m here – learning, growing, and preparing to deliver world-class guest experiences.”

Johannes Lucky Moatshe (22)

Born in Bela-Bela and raised on a nearby farm in Melkrivier, Lucky developed an early love for nature. After completing matric at Meetsetshehla Secondary School, he worked as a gardener at Lindani Game and Lodges before going on to earn a Diploma in Animal Science at North West University in 2024.

“My passion for wildlife truly blossomed when I joined the Welgevonden Environmental Awareness Programme in 2020,” he explains. “I spent time studying birds, scorpions, grasses — my favourites — and developed a deeper respect for biodiversity. This internship is the next chapter in a journey that I see as a never-ending course in nature. I’m grateful to Mabula for investing in my future.”

A model of training that leads to employment

Unlike many generic skills initiatives, the Mabula Guide Training Internship Programme is designed to prepare participants for direct employment in the field. The Programme responds to the tourism industry’s needs by identifying and training passionate individuals for real-world opportunities in conservation and guiding.

“This is more than a course – it’s a launchpad for young talent,” says Mulder. “We believe in these trainees, and we are committed to helping them thrive.”