The WESSA100 Conservation Leadership Awards reflect the breadth of environmental stewardship in South Africa, from grassroots environmental justice and youth leadership to environmental education, scientific research, biodiversity conservation, and decades of service to the conservation movement.
WESSA, The Wildlife and Environment Society of South Africa, has recognised a new generation of environmental leaders alongside some of the country’s most longstanding conservation champions at its 100th Annual General Meeting, held on 3 October 2026.
The WESSA100 Conservation Leadership Awards celebrate people, groups and institutions that have made exceptional and sustained contributions to conservation and environmental education in South Africa.
WESSA has presented the awards for more than 51 years. In its centenary year, the programme introduced the inaugural Sable Awards, recognising outstanding contributions by WESSA members and staff, and the Rising Stars Award, recognising the next generation of emerging environmental leaders.
“From emerging leaders and educators to scientists, conservationists, organisations, corporates, and generations of WESSA members and staff, these individuals and groups demonstrate the many ways environmental stewardship can create lasting change. We are proud to honour their contribution as we look towards the next century of WESSA,” says WESSA CEO, Cindy-Lee Cloete.
Recognising exceptional leadership
WESSA presented two Gold Awards to Dr Jim Taylor and Clive Walker for their extraordinary and sustained contributions to conservation and environmental education.
Dr Taylor was recognised for 35 years of contribution to WESSA, including environmental education, citizen science and sustainable development across South Africa and the SADC region. His developmental work on educational initiatives, including miniSASS and Enviro-Champs, has helped empower generations of educators, communities, and citizens to become active environmental stewards.
Clive Walker was recognised for more than five decades of leadership in wildlife conservation, environmental education, and institution-building, including his founding of the Endangered Wildlife Trust, rhino and elephant conservation and creating the Lapalala Wilderness Reserve and the Lapalala Wilderness School.
Other 2026 award winners include Prof. Mary Scholes (Individual) and Prof. Eureta Rosenberg (Lifetime Achievement), Nondumiso Sibiya (Youth), Alwande Dube (Rising Stars), Patricia Mabena (Educator of the Year), CapeNature (Corporate), Nature’s Valley Trust – Tsitsikamma (Group). Full list below, including commendations.
The awards spotlight contributions ranging from environmental justice and circular-economy solutions in Diepsloot to marine conservation and youth advocacy, environmental education in schools, biodiversity stewardship, applied conservation research and environmental leadership across Southern Africa.
Celebrating WESSA’s own conservation community
The centenary year also saw the launch of the inaugural WESSA Sable Awards, celebrating past and present WESSA members and staff whose contributions have helped advance the organisation’s vision, mission, and impact.
The inaugural Sable Award was presented posthumously to Dr Ian Garland, recognising his foundational contribution to environmental education and conservation, including developing the environmental education centre at Twinstreams in 1952.
The 2026 awards also included commendations across the categories, recognising a wider community of environmental leaders whose work contributes to South Africa’s conservation and environmental education landscape.
As WESSA enters its second century, the organisation continues to centre its work on its Educate, Advocate, Act approach, enabling people to build knowledge, influence environmental decision-making and take practical action for environmental stewardship.
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WINNERS LIST: WESSA 100 Conservation Leadership Awards 2026
● WESSA Award for an Individual: Prof. Mary Scholes
○ Commendations: Dr Deborah Robertson-Andersson, Dr Hanneline Smit-Robinson, Lewyn Maefala, and Nicholas Theron.
● Lifetime Achievement Award: Prof. Eureta Rosenberg
○ Commendations: Prof. Rob O’Donoghue, Prof. George and Margo Branch, Dr Mark Graham, and Dr Elsa Pooley.
● WESSA Gold Award: Dr Jim Taylor and Clive Walker
● WESSA Award for Youth: Nondumiso Sibiya
○ Commendations: Dr Alexandra Howard, Gabby Sykora, Dr Karabo Moloi, and Sthuthukile Conco.
● Rising Stars Award: Alwande Dube
○ Commendations: Dr Kyle John Lloyd; Chelsey Bevie; Joseph Hlako; Bulelani Ndzuzo.
● Educator of the Year Award: Patricia Mabena
○ Commendations: Bianca Steyn; Sboniso Mazolo.
● WESSA Award for Corporates: CapeNature
○ Commendations: Greenpop, Southern African Wildlife College, Ford Wildlife Foundation.
● WESSA Award for Groups: Nature’s Valley Trust (NVT Tsitsikamma)
○ Commendations: KZN Crane Foundation; Litter4Tokens; Korsman Conservancy; Westville Conservancy.
● Inaugural WESSA Sable Award: Dr Ian Garland (posthumously)
○ Commendations: Margaret Burger; Lorna Watt; Keith Cooper; Malcolm Powell; Lindokuhle Mkhize; Daniel Jackson; John Wesson; Mumsie Gumede; Monica Vaccaro; Highway Branch; Prof. Eugene Moll; Jenny Gon; Prof. Martheanne Finnemore.
About the Wildlife and Environment Society of South Africa (WESSA)
WESSA, established in 1926, is one of South Africa’s oldest and most respected environmental non-profit organisations. In 2026, WESSA celebrates its centenary and 100 years of action for nature, continuing a proud legacy of advancing conservation and sustainability through education, advocacy and action that supports both people and the planet. Through its diverse programmes and strategic local and global partnerships, WESSA has played a pivotal role over the past century in fostering a culture of environmental responsibility and care across South Africa’s landscapes, coastlines, schools and communities. Visit the website to learn more: https://www.wessa.org.za/.
