In the midst of the Covid-19 Pandemic we find ourselves looking to the future without volunteers and no donations. Will we be able to survive the coming months without an income? How do we continue to monitor our wildlife?
NOTE: Our program has not been cancelled, conservation is an essential services. We are continuing our work, unfortunately under increased financial pressure.
Bombyx one of our dominant elephant bulls.
Dear All our past volunteers and visitors, As the world looks to an uncertain future we all share a common worry for our health, our families and what the future will hold. Siyafunda said good bye to its last volunteer mid March. Our team of volunteer field rangers Emma, Sam, Derek, Kayla and my family Demini and Mila have remained at Siyafunda. All other staff have gone home as South Africa has implemented a full lock-down for 21 days starting 26th March. We are now facing the issue of how do we continue with our work of monitoring our animals on our reserve? As we have no income for the foreseeable future, I have had to limit our field time to every second day, but even that requires the use of fuel and wear and tear. The other reserves costs remain, anti-poaching, fence maintenance, animal management and utilities. As all forms of tourism will be limited for at least 6 months we wanted to offer to all our future volunteers the option of early payment discount of 10% off the cost of your booking if paid 6 months or longer before your arrival date and free date change until the end of 2021. We would also appreciate any donations towards our basic running costs so the team can get out into the field regularly. Also all donations are redeemable if you choose to book with us before the end of 2021. Keep in touch with our monitoring and what we are seeing on Facebook and Instagram. All our Bush Greetings from, The Siyafunda Team.