From young environmental leaders and educators to scientists, conservation organisations and people who have dedicated decades to the environmental movement, the 2026 WESSA Conservation Leadership Awards celebrate the people turning care for the Earth into action.
In 2026, WESSA marks 100 years of action for nature. At its 100th Annual General Meeting on 3 October, the organisation recognised a new generation of environmental leaders alongside some of South Africa’s most longstanding conservation champions through the WESSA 100 Conservation Leadership Awards.
For more than 51 years, WESSA has used its annual awards to recognise people, groups and institutions making exceptional and sustained contributions to conservation and environmental education in South Africa.
This centenary year, the awards reflect the extraordinary breadth of environmental stewardship – from grassroots environmental justice and youth leadership to environmental education, scientific research, biodiversity conservation and decades of service to the conservation movement.
“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 a lifetime of environmental leadership
WESSA Gold Awards
Dr Jim Taylor
The WESSA Gold Award recognises extraordinary and sustained contribution to conservation and environmental education.
Dr Jim Taylor is honoured for 35 years of contribution to WESSA and for his work advancing environmental education, citizen science and sustainable development across South Africa and the SADC region.
His contribution includes significant environmental education programmes and initiatives such as miniSASS and Enviro-Champs, helping educators, communities and citizens become active stewards of their environment.
His work also extends to research, publications, mentorship and collaboration with communities and stakeholders – demonstrating the power of turning environmental knowledge into participation and action.
Clive Walker
With more than five decades of visionary leadership in wildlife conservation, environmental education and institution-building, Clive Walker has made a lasting contribution to South Africa’s conservation movement.
His contribution includes co-founding the Endangered Wildlife Trust, championing rhino and elephant conservation, and driving the development of the Lapalala Wilderness Reserve and Lapalala Wilderness School.
Through conservation writing, art, education and institution-building, his work has protected wildlife while capacitating and inspiring generations of conservation students and leaders.
Lifetime Achievement Award
Prof. Eureta Rosenberg
Prof. Eureta Rosenberg is recognised for her extraordinary contribution and pioneering leadership across environmental education and sustainability research, policy development, strategic partnerships, innovative education programmes and mentorship.
Her work has helped shape environmental education across Southern Africa while supporting the development of future environmental leaders.
Her award is a reminder that environmental stewardship begins with knowledge – and that building an environmentally literate society is itself a powerful form of conservation.
Commendations: Prof. Rob O’Donoghue, Prof. George and Margo Branch, Dr Mark Graham and Dr Elsa Pooley.
The next generation of environmental leaders
Rising Stars Award
Alwande Dube
The centenary awards also look firmly towards the future.
Alwande Dube is recognised for her contribution to marine conservation, environmental advocacy and youth leadership.
As Chairperson of Youth4MPAs, she has championed greater participation by young people in marine and coastal conservation. Her work brings together academic research, marine conservation and community advocacy, helping to mobilise others into active environmental stewardship.
The Rising Stars Award recognises the next generation of emerging environmental leaders – people already making their mark and helping shape the future of conservation.
Commendations: Dr Kyle John Lloyd, Chelsey Bevie, Joseph Hlako and Bulelani Ndzuzo.
Young leaders turning environmental justice into action
WESSA Award for an Individual
Prof. Mary Scholes
Prof. Mary Scholes is recognised for her pioneering contribution to environmental science, forestry and climate resilience in South Africa.
Through systems-based research, practical environmental interventions and the mentorship of more than 70 postgraduate students, she has helped build both the knowledge and human capacity needed to respond to a changing environment.
Her recognition highlights the importance of combining environmental research with the development of the people and skills needed to apply that knowledge.
Commendations: Dr Deborah Robertson-Andersson, Dr Hanneline Smit-Robinson, Lewyn Maefala and Nicholas Theron.
WESSA Award for Youth
Nondumiso Sibiya
Environmental action often begins close to home.
Nondumiso Sibiya is recognised for her commitment to environmental justice, waste management and community health in Diepsloot.
Her work challenges illegal dumping while advancing household-level circular economy solutions and building networks among residents, schools, partners and waste reclaimers.
Her story demonstrates how grassroots leadership can connect environmental action with everyday health, livelihoods and community wellbeing – and how young leaders can drive meaningful systemic change from within their communities.
Commendations: Dr Alexandra Howard, Gabby Sykora, Dr Karabo Moloi and Sthuthukile Conco.
Where environmental education becomes everyday action
Educator of the Year Award
Patricia Mabena
Teachers have a unique role in shaping how the next generation understands and responds to the environment.
Patricia Mabena is recognised for her exceptional commitment to environmental education and sustainability at Monde Primary School.
Through creative teaching and leadership of the Eco-Schools programme, she has embedded biodiversity, waste management and environmental action into school life – inspiring both learners and teachers to become responsible environmental stewards.
Her work shows how environmental education can move beyond the classroom and become part of everyday action.
Commendations: Bianca Steyn and Sboniso Mazolo.
Protecting biodiversity while supporting people and places
WESSA Award for Corporates
CapeNature
CapeNature is recognised for its outstanding and sustained contribution to biodiversity conservation, ecotourism, community development and environmental education.
Its work spans protected areas, marine and coastal environments, wetlands and other ecosystems across the Western Cape.
By safeguarding significant natural landscapes while expanding protected areas and strengthening biodiversity stewardship, CapeNature demonstrates the important relationship between conservation, sustainable tourism and community development.
Commendations: Greenpop, Southern African Wildlife College and Ford Wildlife Foundation.
The power of conservation rooted in community
WESSA Award for Groups
Nature’s Valley Trust – Tsitsikamma
For more than two decades, Nature’s Valley Trust has demonstrated what is possible when conservation is rooted in place and shaped through meaningful community participation.
The organisation is recognised for its contribution to biodiversity conservation, applied research, environmental education and community empowerment along the Garden Route and beyond.
Through science-led conservation and community engagement, NVT Tsitsikamma has shown how local action can create lasting environmental and social impact across diverse ecosystems and communities.
Commendations: KZN Crane Foundation, Litter4Tokens, Korsman Conservancy and Westville Conservancy.
As WESSA enters its second century, this spirit remains at the heart of its Educate, Advocate, Act approach: enabling people to build knowledge, influence environmental decision-making and take practical action for environmental stewardship.
Congratulations to all the 2026 WESSA Conservation Leadership Award recipients, commendations and members of the WESSA community who continue to champion environmental stewardship.
100 years of action. A legacy of people caring for the Earth. And a future still waiting to be shaped.