At the Greater Kromme Stewardship (GKS), we know that conservation is about more than just protecting land — it’s about empowering people. Every successful project, every thriving ecosystem, is built by individuals who bring commitment, curiosity, and courage to the field.

One of those individuals is Anele Kumalo, a previous intern at the GKS, whose journey from Komani in the Eastern Cape to helping shape South Africa’s newest national park shows the impact that opportunity, mentorship, and perseverance can have.

When One Path Ends, Another Begins
Anele’s career in conservation started with a closed door.

“After matric, I applied to study Geology,” he explains. “But my application was unsuccessful.”

Instead of giving up, he pivoted — and found himself accepted into the Nature Conservation programme at Nelson Mandela University’s George Campus.

“I didn’t know much about the field then,” he says, “but once I started, I knew I’d found something that mattered.”

Anele funded his first year of studies himself. Later, a bursary gave him the support he needed to complete his degree — and he set out to find his place in the sector.

A Life-Changing Opportunity
During the COVID-19 lockdown, Anele applied for an internship with the Greater Kromme Stewardship. Delayed feedback didn’t deter him — and when the acceptance finally came through, he grabbed the opportunity with both hands.

“I learned so much in that year,” he says. “GKS gave me real, hands-on experience — not just desk work. I engaged with landowners, attended workshops, and got a full picture of what stewardship looks like on the ground.”

But what made the experience truly transformative, he says, was the support and belief of the team around him.

“My former supervisor, Dr Wentzel Coetzer, and the GKS Project team played a huge role in my development. They guided me, challenged me, and made me feel like I belonged.”

From Intern to Impact
Today, Anele works at SANParks, where he’s part of the team laying the foundation for the new Grasslands National Park — a major step forward for conservation in South Africa.

His work focuses on protected area development, stakeholder engagement, and long-term planning — all grounded in the experience he gained during his time with GKS.

“Everything I’m doing now has its roots in the opportunities I was given at GKS,” he says.

Looking to the Future
Anele believes the next big challenge in conservation isn’t just about creating more protected areas — it’s about managing them well.

“Biodiversity stewardship has helped expand the conservation footprint in South Africa,” he says. “But now we need to make sure these areas are effectively managed, so the benefits last for generations.”

Quietly determined and deeply committed, Anele wants to inspire other young professionals to see conservation as a viable, meaningful career — and to show that even when your first dream doesn’t work out, something even better might be waiting.

“If just one person sees my journey and thinks, ‘Maybe I can do that too,’ then it’s worth sharing.”

A Message from GKS
Anele’s journey is a reminder that mentorship and real-world experience can launch careers and change lives. At GKS, we’re proud to have been a part of his growth — and to continue investing in young conservationists with big dreams and even bigger potential.