At Pungwe, community is everything. For almost three decades we've nurtured a close working relationship with the various villages in and around the Manyeleti's neighbouring communities of Thorndale, Hlalakahle, Hlavukisa, Gottenburg, Welverdiend and Hluvhukani. We have helped to establish various community initiatives and lend support to a whole host of others that are dear to our heart. Here are a few examples of our community spirit...
People power
Around 90% of staff are from local communities surrounding the Manyeleti.
Future leaders
Building the Pfukani Creche in neighbouring Thorndale village. We provide ongoing support to creche head Mary Mabunda and Pungwe provides the main meal each day for the more than 60 children who attend the creche. We also installed a water tank at the creche to provide running water for the creche and its pupils and Pungwe supports the annual graduation event by sponsoring food and gifts for the children.
Providing opportunities
We believe in encouraging entrepreneurship. As a result the Pungwe housekeepers have a beaded doily initiative which produces beaded crafts that our guests can purchase, with all revenue going directly to them. We also source as much produce as we can locally and when we need maintenance doing in camp, we prefer to use local service providers, contractors and artisans.
Making mats
"Recycle and Repurpose" is a mantra Pungwe believes in - we support a group of local women who make place mats made out of local sedges and plastic waste. These mats are used at Pungwe and are also sold to our guests with all revenue going directly to the women involved.
Building awareness
Pungwe sponsors and helps to co-ordinate Heritage Day celebrations locally on the 24th of September each year. This initiative is aimed at creating cultural and natural heritage awareness amongst the youth in surrounding communities, with a major focus on the challenges of rhino poaching.
Through the lens
Pungwe is a proud supporter of the Wild Shots Outreach photographic outreach project. Wild Shots focuses on providing photographic workshops for local youth which include visits to the Manyeleti. Pungwe regularly hosts these youth groups on a safari where they can obtain practical wildlife photographic experience and build a lifetime connection to nature.
Gogos on safari
Treating local elderly ladies (known as "gogos") to a game drive in the Manyeleti.
