Skilderkrantz People - World Heritage Site Nature Reserve Conservation Cape Leopard Baviaanskloof South Africa

OUR HUMAN POTENTIAL

Historically one of the poorest provinces in South Africa, with a high unemployment rate, the malaria-free Eastern Cape is increasingly turning to the Conservation Economy to provide meaningful work for its people. At Skilderkrantz we will strive to nurture and assist local talent and interest in the fields of conservation, hospitality and holistic health. Our management team is blessed with an impressive depth of commitment, expertise and experience, under whose guidance we aim to transfer skills and build capacity. All permanent staff will be given the opportunity to earn, by their commitment, a stake in the Skilderkrantz enterprise.

Carol Anne Blumenthal
Carol is a veterinarian with a life-long passion for conservation and wilderness. Carol is the driving force behind Skilderkrantz.

Coleske, Edith and Ockert Ferreira
Coleske, Edith and Ockert are descendants of the original European settlers in the valley. The Ferreira family has a deep love of Skilderkrantz. Between them they see to the day to day running of the many facets of Skilderkrantz. After spending some years abroad in the city Ockert returned home in 2002 disillusioned and spiritually and physically depleted. He can personally attest to the healing powers of this place. He has a deep and abiding love of the valley and looks forward to sharing its delights with others.

Eric Girardin
Eric is our architect who seems to have a magic wand. His energy and vision are slowly breathing new life into crumbling ruins. His sense of humour helps too!

Japie Buckle
Japie is a passionate conservationist and Baviaanskloof aficionado and was their ecologist for many years. He was also the chief ecologist for the Working for Water programme. Now Japie heads up the Cape division of the National Botanical Institute’s Working for Wetlands project, and is also a private consultant with a special interest in wetland restoration and alien plant eradication.

Kotie Dowd: has been most helpful in the myriad property transfers we have had to do.

Allette Matik, Hendrik Botha, Hermanus Lottering, Kindman Guga, Lamek Longwe, Miriam Boosman, Ndifelani Rambo, Pamela Tromp, Skei Barends and Titus Longwe.
The backbone of the team - whether digging the hole for a swimming pool, tackling the invasive wattles, collecting seeds, fruit picking, identifying a bird or planting a Yellowwood, they are busy from dusk till dawn, helping to build the dream.