Thornybush Community, the non-profit organisation dedicated to uplifting local communities, reflects on a year of achievements and renewed commitment to sustainable development. Throughout the past year, Thornybush Community expanded its scope and impact, supported by strong community engagement and generous contributions from donors.
“2023 has been a year of hope and determination! We are reminded of the power of collective dreams and unwavering determination to shape a better tomorrow. Crucial to realising our goals is the support of generous donors. Their contributions, whether financial or in-kind, have served as the lifeblood of Thornybush Community, fuelling our efforts and amplifying our impact to continue our mission of aiding in the upliftment and prosperity of all community members with commitment and determination,” says Chairperson, Joanne Dickson.
Under the leadership of Lindsay Hanekom, who assumed the role of General Manager in 2023, Thornybush Community continued to grow existing projects and embark on several new initiatives aimed at fostering community prosperity and environmental conservation. “We are immensely proud of the strides we have made in 2023,” said Lindsay Hanekom. “With the support of our dedicated team, volunteers, and invaluable partnerships, Thornybush Community has continued to innovate and expand our impact across various sectors crucial to community upliftment.”
A core pillar of Thornybush Community is education, skills development, and creating opportunities. An internship programme was launched this year, welcoming two local youths to the team and bringing with them an element of vitality, inspiration, and passion. Sharon Ntimane joined as a content writer and social media specialist intern. She studied media practices, specialising in journalism, and is using her invaluable research and writing skills to disseminate valuable information and foster connections within the communities. Surprise Ubisi joined the team as an accounting intern, completing his degree in financial management via long-distance learning and gaining valuable skills in his chosen career.
Thornybush Community continued its longstanding partnership with the South African College for Tourism (SACT) to provide bursaries and internships to aspiring young professionals from neighbouring communities. The programme equips graduates with essential skills and practical experience in the tourism industry, ensuring they are well-prepared for successful careers. “We are proud to have supported 77 students through the SACT bursary and internship programmme. These initiatives not only provide educational opportunities but also foster a sense of pride and ownership in our community’s future,” said Hanekom.
Rose Mashego is a 2023 Culinary Arts intern at Thornybush Simbambili Lodge through the SACT program. She was among the five recipients honoured with the Gregorio Raymo Resiliency Award. Selected as the representative for the class of 2022, Rose had the opportunity to work at the YMCA Coniston Camp in the USA for three months — a truly life-changing opportunity. “It’s one of my most significant achievements, a door-opener, and the beginning of a milestone career journey in this industry. I am grateful and honoured,” expressed Mashego.
Thornybush Community also collaborated with local schools and organisations to deliver essential resources and educational workshops focused on environmental conservation and sustainable living. Initiatives included the annual Careers in Conservation event, organised in partnership with the Global Conservation Corps, which showcased diverse career opportunities in conservation to local youth.
Thornybush Community expanded its flagship Kids in Conservation programme (launched in 2022) to engage local youth with wildlife and conservation initiatives. The programme now includes interactive sessions with Scouts South Africa, immersive lodge experiences at Jackalberry Lodge, and educational game drives in collaboration with Conservation South Africa. These initiatives aim to instil a deep appreciation for wildlife and environmental stewardship among the next generation.
“The expansion of our Kids in Conservation programme has been instrumental in connecting local children with the natural world,” said Hanekom. “Through hands-on experiences and educational workshops, we are nurturing future conservation leaders who will safeguard our precious ecosystems.”
Thornybush Community and Thornybush Lodges recognised the opportunity to collaborate with the Wild Shots Outreach Program, offering support for the programme’s students from our local communities to participate in game drives guided by safari experts. This partnership has been in effect since its inception in 2018, and organising game drives for the participating students remains a meaningful ongoing partnership.
In 2023, Thornybush Community proudly supported the launch of Magoveni Bee-Hive, an organic honey production enterprise founded by Dixon and Clifford Mkansi. The business, located in Dixie Village, is committed to ethical beekeeping practices, focusing on cultivating raw organic honey that will be utilised by lodge chefs and served to guests at breakfast. This initiative not only promotes economic empowerment but also enhances biodiversity conservation by supporting pollinator populations in the region.
One of Thornybush Community’s most rewarding and successful projects to date is the Thousand Herbs & Vegetable Garden, a cooperative of five women who grow herbs, vegetables, and edible flowers on a portion of land leased from Manyangana High School in Uthla. This team of entrepreneurs continues to showcase their business prowess by consistently achieving production goals to meet the demands of their clientele.
Despite encountering occasional challenges, Keysman Nkuna remains steadfast in advancing the success of his business, supported by Thornybush Community’s ongoing support enabling him to provide fresh produce for Hananani’s feeding scheme for 208 learners and his local community.
The collaboration with Nourish Eco Village and the Andersen Construction Foundation remains strong. In 2023, Nourish and the Andersen Construction Foundation established another Eco Village in Makrapen, Dixie. The new facility is fully operational and hosts over a hundred Eco Kidz daily.
“Thornybush’s dedication to sustainability and conservation reflects the tourism industry’s shift towards conscious, impactful travel experiences. Our commitment to sustainability is hugely important in who we are. Travelers are seeking experiences that are meaningful, responsible, and conscious of the environment, and as a result, we have committed ourselves to embrace the journey of being a company that is overtly responsible in all our operations, so we can continue to look after our staff, the environment, and local communities that surround our lodges. Thornybush Community remains steadfast in our commitment to building a brighter, more inclusive tomorrow for all,” added Joanne Dickson.
Read the annual report here: https://www.thornybush.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/TC-Annual-Report-2023_D4.pdf
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