WILD YOUTH SPOTLIGHT: Meet Lesego and Sane

For Youth Month, WILDTRUST shone a spotlight on two inspiring young environmental professionals whose passion for conservation is helping to shape a more sustainable future for South Africa. Through the WWF South Africa Environmental Leaders Graduate Internship Programme, Lesego Thekiso and Sanelisiwe 'Sane' Xulu have gained invaluable hands-on experience within WILDTRUST's WILDLANDS Programme, applying their academic knowledge to real-world conservation challenges.

From biodiversity conservation and climate resilience to spatial analysis and community engagement, both interns have contributed meaningfully to projects that support people, nature and sustainable development. Their journeys reflect the power of investing in young talent and demonstrate how partnerships like that between WWF South Africa and WILDTRUST are helping to develop the country's next generation of environmental leaders.

Meet Lesego Thekiso

A self-proclaimed "professional earth nerd", Lesego's passion for nature has taken him from the lecture halls of North-West University to the landscapes of KwaZulu-Natal's iconic Drakensberg.

An adventurer at heart, Lesego has always been fascinated by natural systems and the way people interact with the environment. He completed a BSc in Environmental Science, majoring in Geography and Botany, before furthering his studies with a BSc Honours and MSc in Geography. His love for landscapes, biodiversity, plants and animals inspired him to pursue a career in conservation.

For Lesego, joining the WWF South Africa Environmental Leaders Graduate Internship Programme was an opportunity to become part of one of the world's most respected conservation organisations.

Through the programme, Lesego was placed within the WILDLANDS Programme of WILDTRUST, where he worked across the Upper uThukela Project, including on the Upper uThukela Water Fund (UTWF) Business Case.

During his internship, Lesego strengthened his GIS and spatial analysis capabilities, enhanced his cartographic skills and gained valuable experience in community engagement.

"Before being part of the WILDTRUST team, I never thought conservation and communities could coexist... I could say that the most valuable lesson I have learned is that you can't think of conservation without thinking of people who live around places you intend to conserve," he says.

Lesego Thekiso

Meet Sanelisiwe Xulu

Born and raised in Melmoth, KwaZulu-Natal, Sanelisiwe's love for nature began in her rural hometown, where she spent much of her childhood outdoors. As she grew older, she became increasingly aware of how development and human activities were changing the natural environment around her, inspiring her to pursue a career in conservation.

Sanelisiwe holds a Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Planning and Development and an Honours degree in Geography from the University of Zululand. She is currently pursuing a Master of Science in Geography through the University of South Africa.

Through the WWF South Africa Environmental Leaders Graduate Internship Programme, Sanelisiwe was placed within the WILDLANDS Programme of WILDTRUST, where she joined the Living Lakes Biodiversity and Climate Project (LLBCP). In her role, she supports community workshops, conducts environmental research, contributes to project reporting, and helps strengthen climate resilience and biodiversity conservation initiatives in communities surrounding Lake Sibaya and the iSimangaliso Wetland Park.

"The most valuable lesson I learned is that successful conservation cannot happen without people. Protecting biodiversity is important, but lasting conservation outcomes are achieved when communities are actively involved and understand the value of the natural resources around them," says Sanelisiwe.

Sanelisiwe Xulu

WILDTRUST is proud to partner with organisations such as WWF South Africa to provide meaningful opportunities for young environmental professionals. Through these partnerships, young graduates gain practical experience, develop specialised skills and contribute to conservation projects that create positive outcomes for both people and nature, while helping to address youth unemployment and strengthen South Africa's green economy.