We as the SWF, first crossed paths with Calvin Ndlovu back in 2019 when he joined the Bush Buddies programme. This included learning about wildlife photography with Wild Shots Outreach. Since then, Calvin has soared to new heights, earning a BSc in Biodiversity and Conservation Biology and now embarking on his Honours in the same field. Thanks to a collaboration with Wild Shots Outreach, the Selati Wilderness Foundation has proudly secured funding for Calvin’s Honours year. Recently, Calvin also gained invaluable hands-on experience through the Selati Research Volunteer Programme, deepening his knowledge in wildlife monitoring and conservation. It’s been a privilege to witness Calvin’s journey and his unwavering passion for wildlife and the natural world. Get to know Calvin a little better…
Where and when were you born?
I was born in Phalaborwa (Namakgale) on May 24th, 2004. But later moved to Mariveni village which is close to Letsitele, at the age of 10.
Which primary school did you attend?
I attended two primary schools in my life. The first one was Mashabela Primary School located in the Phalaborwa region then after I moved, I was bound to change and find a new primary school, where I enrolled with Tito Mboweni Primary School located in Mariveni.
Whilst at primary school, did you have dreams about your career? What did you want to do at that age?
Not really, I just explored the different types of job opportunities that are found in the world because I was still young at that time and wasn’t at the right stage to choose what I would love to do when I grew up. So, at that time I was just going to school to learn about everything that was taught and everything that I would encounter during those early stages in life.
When did you first hear about the Bush Buddies programme and what made you want to be part of it?
I first heard about the Bush Buddies programme in high school (Zivuko Senior Secondary School*) from my teachers, Ohlee N. Mbhokazi and G. Majozi. I had always loved nature and animals, and I used to watch National Geographic shows, documentaries and animal shows, which fascinated me. I enjoyed learning new things every day. When I was offered the chance to visit Selati Game Reserve, I saw it as an opportunity to expand my knowledge. We were told that we would learn about nature, animals, how they interact in their environments, conservation, and everything related to wildlife, so I decided to be a part of it.
Describe how you were feeling before you arrived on Selati that first day?
I was both excited and nervous at the same time because I had never attended any biodiversity or wildlife-related programmes. However, I was so happy as I knew that I was going to learn a lot in-person rather than watching everything on TV and also that I was going get to connect with nature.
What was your initial impression after that first weekend?
My initial impression after the first weekend was one of awe and appreciation for the complexity of nature and the animals that inhabit it. I was fascinated by the amount of knowledge I gained about various species, their behaviours, and the ecosystems they thrive in. The experience made me realise how interconnected everything is and deepened my respect for wildlife conservation efforts and biodiversity as a whole. It was an eye-opening experience that sparked a greater interest in preserving nature.
What was your highlight of the Bush Buddies programme?
Self-reflection along the river bank, where each one of us was isolated (10 metres) away from each other. This was the moment of silence where we were told to reflect on life, needs, decisions and also desires for 20 minutes. I connected with the surrounding environment (nature) at that time. It was so peaceful with the water flowing, birds singing and wind blowing. This was where I ended up making the decision to look deep in nature and try to understand everything better.
Did your time with Bush Buddies influence your choice of tertiary studies?
Yes, it did, 100 %.
How did your perspective on wildlife and conservation change since participating in the Bush Buddies programme?
Everything changed, my time at Selati Game Reserve on the Bush Buddies Programme changed how I initially looked at everything around me; plants, animals and the environment itself. After participating in Bush Buddies, I started to see all these things from a different perspective which is way better than my initial thoughts. I started to see the importance of wildlife and conservation efforts thus I now appreciate nature and I want to protect it for as long as I’m still alive.
Describe your time at the Selati Research Volunteer Programme?
I’m really enjoying Selati Game Reserve; I love it here! I have the privilege of meeting a variety of people, each with their own unique knowledge and experience. The game drives and daily activities are not only exciting but also highly educational, as I’m learning valuable lessons about the wildlife and environment from those with extensive expertise. What makes the experience even more special is the friendliness and approachability of everyone I encounter. The Selati Research team are always willing to answer questions and share their insights, creating a welcoming and inspiring atmosphere that fosters curiosity and personal growth. It’s truly a memorable and enriching experience.
What’s been the highlight of your time at Selati volunteer programme?
A definite highlight of my time at Selati Game Reserve is the unforgettable experience of on-foot cheetah monitoring. Being able to observe these magnificent creatures up close was truly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. We spent time carefully studying their behaviour, paying attention to how they move, interact with their environment, and how they respond to human presence while getting important lessons from the Selati research crew. It was fascinating to observe the subtle signals they give when they feel threatened or disturbed such as the way they raise their heads, flick their ears, or change their posture. These moments gave me a deeper understanding of the cheetah’s instinctive reactions and communication methods, offering insights into their delicate balance with their surroundings. The experience was not only thrilling but also deeply educational, providing a unique opportunity to connect with nature in a way that felt both intimate and respectful.
You are going on to study your Honours in Biodiversity and Conservation Biology, right? What’s next after that?
Yes, after completing my Honours degree I want to do the field guide course and at least go to work for a few years, gain more knowledge and experience before returning to do my Masters degree.
What’s your dream career and what motivates you to get there?
My dream career is to be a Wildlife Biologist thereafter, to reach the level of being a manager. Everything around me acts as motivation to keep striving to reach this level. The people around me, mentors, organisations, friends and family, keep me going as I’m always reminded of who I am and what I’m capable of achieving, so yeah I can do it!
You get into a conversation with a young person from your village who shows an interest in wildlife. What advice would you give them?
This is what I always say to the young people I have conversations with: “If you love wildlife, my advice to you is to stay curious and keep learning. Start by reading books, watching nature shows, and spending time outside observing animals. You can also help with local wildlife projects or volunteer with nature groups to get hands-on experience. Studying biology, biodiversity or nature conservation will help you learn more about animals, but always remember to respect nature. Whether you want to work with animals or protect the environment, remember that even small actions can make a big difference in keeping the world safe. Whenever you have questions, please always feel free to seek help, then I can help where I can or refer you to relevant people with better knowledge and experience, in that way, you will be growing in the right way.”
How do you plan to contribute to solving conservation issues in the future?
I plan to help solve conservation issues by focusing on education and raising awareness in many local communities starting with my own village. Many people in my community don’t realise how important it is to protect wildlife and the environment, so I want to teach and inspire the community about how conservation can help. I would organize workshops, work with schools, collaborate with foundations (for example, Selati Wilderness Foundation) and use social media to share important information. I also want to promote ways of living that are good for both people and nature, like supporting responsible farming and better waste management. I feel like it’s important to show people that conservation can help them in many ways, so coming up with strategies to convince them is also under the plan.
Overall, I think If I can work with local leaders, environmental groups, and the community, I believe we can find practical solutions to protect wildlife and keep the environment healthy in the long run.
If you could meet any legendary conservationist, past or present, who would it be and why?
It would be Jane Goodall. Her pioneering work with chimpanzees and her deep understanding of animal behaviour have had a profound impact on the field of wildlife conservation. She not only changed how we view primates but also highlighted the importance of protecting the environment and preserving wildlife habitats. Her dedication to conservation and her ability to inspire others to take action is something I admire greatly.
What is your favourite sound in nature, and why does it resonate with you?
One of my favourite sounds in nature is the sound of flowing water, like from a river, stream, or waterfall. There is something calming about the gentle rush of water moving over rocks. It feels peaceful and reminds me that life is always flowing, bringing a sense of calm and new energy. The sound helps clear my mind and makes me feel relaxed, as if the water is washing away stress. It’s a reminder of how connected we are to nature and how important it is to stay grounded.
*Zivuko Secondary School is located in Mariveni village, close to Letsitele. The school currently has 1300 pupils enrolled and is proud of its 96.6% Matric Pass Rate in 2024.
