Since it was established by the North West Parks and Tourism Board, The Pilanesberg Wildlife Trust has had a significant positive impact on conservation and eco-tourism in and around the park.

But equally significant has been the work that the Trust has done through its Community Development project.

Since its inception, one of the Trust’s core functions has been to promote the upliftment of the communties on the periphary of the park.

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Many of these local communites continue to bear the burdens of poverty and the legacy of apartheid and have seen little direct benefit (financial or otherwise) from the park, but this is changing steadily with the Trust’s help.

The Pilanesberg Wildlife Tust looks to directly involve these communities in the many benefits that can be garnered from Pilanesberg National Park. People in these communities are being encouraged to feel a sense of ownership and pride for Pilanesberg, rather than seeing it, as was so often the case historically with many of South Africa’s National Parks, as a “white man’s park”. With this in mind, the Trust organizes a number of educational trips to the park for local school groups which, as well as game viewing, include presentations and workshops.

The Trust has also begun to issue bursaries for local students who show potential in the field of conservation. Two students a year will be funded for three years of education at a tertiary institute in the region.

The Trust has also played an active role in recruiting a number of new field rangers from local communities.

Overall, the project’s key areas of focus going forward are: environment, education, youth development, sustainable economic development.

All of the above are hugely important to ensuring that the unique Pilanesberg National Park can be enjoyed and appreciated by South Africans and visitors from all walks of life.