Rifumo Mathebula, 25, has won the international Young Environmentalist of the Year Award for his work with Wild Shots Outreach.
Rifumo is from a rural community bordering Kruger Park, South Africa and he is a dedicated environmental educator, photojournalist and filmmaker. He is the Programme Director of Wild Shots Outreach – a not-for-profit organization that connects young Africans from disadvantaged communities with nature through photography.
This prestigious award, from London-based CIWEM (Chartered Institute of Water and Environmental Management), recognises ‘passionate, proactive individuals actively working towards positive environmental change with lasting impact.’
Rifumo explains: ‘I want to connect young people with our natural heritage – we’re the future of Africa’s conservation. Though I live next to Kruger National Park, 99% of young people in my community have never been to a game reserve. How will we save Africa’s wildlife and wild places if there is this huge disconnect with young Africans? Over the past three years, I have taught photography to more than 500 young people and taken them on their first-ever game drive, so the students can capture their memories and stories upon seeing wildlife for the first time.’
The judges commented on what impressed them about Rifumo: ‘We were incredibly impressed by Rifumo’s drive, commitment, and passion for promoting awareness of sustainability through his community work and photography, always working to inspire others. It is clear Rifumo has committed his career and personal life to the cause and has empowered others to make a difference too. Rifumo’s work is exceptional and is clearly going from strength to strength, leaving a positive and long-lasting environmental legacy.’
Rifumo said he had ‘achieved things I’d not dreamed possible. I’m really grateful for this amazing opportunity and It is such a privilege for me to win this award. I hope this will inspire other young Africans that we can make a difference and reach for our dreams. We are flipping the script and changing the narrative – making photography and conservation more diverse and inclusive.’
‘Rifumo is a born teacher with a passion and enthusiasm for passing on his knowledge of conservation and his photography skills,’ said Mike Kendrick, Founder of Wild Shots Outreach. ‘I am so proud of this hard-working, dedicated and humble young man and delighted he is getting this international recognition.’
CIWEM said it hopes that this award will provide Rifumo with the platform and tools, as well as networking and mentoring opportunities, to grow the awareness and impact of his ambitions.
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