Join our Team: Head of Finance (Fixed-term maternity cover) Vacancy at WESSA

Join our Team: Head of Finance (Fixed-term maternity cover) Vacancy at WESSA

Aug 25, 2025 | News, Vacancy

Are you a strategic, detail-driven financial leader with a passion for impact and sustainability? WESSA is seeking a Head of Finance (Fixed-Term Maternity Cover) to provide leadership and oversight during a critical period for the organisation.

This fixed-term role from September 2025 till January 2026 will be based at either our Howick, KwaZulu-Natal office or Bryanston, Johannesburg office. The Head of Finance will play a pivotal role in shaping WESSA’s financial strategy, ensuring compliance, supporting fundraising teams, and providing financial insights to the CEO, leadership, and the Board.

You will be responsible for finalising the 2026 budget, strengthening financial resilience through cash flow forecasting and risk planning, and driving strategic investment and reserve growth. The role also requires close collaboration with fundraising teams to ensure persuasive, compliant donor reporting, and effective capital management.

If you are an experienced finance professional with NPO sector expertise (preferred), strong leadership skills, and the ability to thrive under pressure during a critical financial period, this opportunity is for you!

Read the full role requirements and apply.

Apply by: 12h00 SAST, 27 August 2025
Send your CV and motivation letter to: applications@wessa.co.za
Subject line: Head of Finance – Maternity Cover
Important to note: Please submit all documents in a single PDF document.

Boschendal makes global history as the first wine estate to earn Green Key certification

Boschendal makes global history as the first wine estate to earn Green Key certification

Aug 8, 2025 | News

Pictured above left to right:

  • Merinda Carstens – Boschendal Special Projects Lead, Marketing
  • Cindy-Lee Cloete, WESSA CEO
  • Amy Kropman – Boschendal CEO
  • Tevya Visser – WESSA, Senior Sustainability Programme Manager
  • Ananda Coutinho, Environmental Projects Intern, (not employed by Boschendal)

A landmark moment for regenerative tourism and sustainable hospitality in South Africa

WESSA is proud to announce that Boschendal Wine Estate has officially been awarded the prestigious Green Key certification for its accommodation offering, making it the first wine estate in the world to achieve this honour.

This globally respected eco-label, managed in South Africa by WESSA and internationally by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE), recognises hospitality establishments that go above and beyond in their commitment to sustainability, resource efficiency, and ethical tourism practices.

“This is a truly remarkable milestone that sets a global precedent,” said Cindy-Lee Cloete, WESSA CEO. “This certification formally recognises Boschendal’s leadership in sustainable tourism and is a powerful testament to the wine estate’s deep commitment to heritage, innovation, and environmental stewardship.”

Regeneration at the heart of hospitality

This achievement coincides with Boschendal’s 340th anniversary, a powerful reflection of how heritage and forward-thinking can coexist.

“This landmark achievement underscores our commitment not just to hospitality excellence, but to actively regenerating the land and people that sustain us,” said Amy Kropman, CEO of Boschendal. “It reflects our deeply held values: from taking care of today to acting with purpose like the bee, staying steady in rhythm, and showing up curious to spark collaboration and creativity, we aim to regenerate not only the soil, but also the people who live, work and stay with us.”

The Green Key certification was formally handed over on 1 August 2025 at Boschendal in a ceremony attended by the estate’s leadership and WESSA representatives.

Pictured above left to right in the image –

[WESSA team]

  • Adrienne West – Head of Philanthropy & Resource Mobilisation
  • Cindy-Lee Cloete, CEO
  • Kelly Alcock – Head of Education & Sustainability
  • Tevya Visser – Senior Sustainability Programme Manager

[Boschendal team]

  • Comfort Mathebula – Health & Safety Officer
  • Forster Pepetini – Compliance & Risk Manager
  • Amy Kropman – CEO
  • Merinda Carstens – Special Projects Lead, Marketing
  • Lee Ziervogel – Boschendal Project Lead
  • Ashwin Klaasen – Risk & Compliance Administrator
  • Trace Van Wijk – Regen Gardens Lead
  • Stephane Els – Head of Finance, Farming

Sustainable tourism in action

Boschendal’s approach to sustainable tourism reflects global best practice and aligns strongly with WESSA’s mission to support people caring for the Earth. Their accomplishments include:

  • A dedicated environmental manager and active Green Committee guiding sustainability initiatives;
  • Formal action plan addressing climate change, biodiversity, resource use and social equity;
  • Measurable reductions in emissions, water use, and waste, supported by guest education and transparent reporting;
  • Local partnerships that empower biodiversity conservation, youth skills development, and ethical supply chains.

Starting 1 August, a 2% Conservation Levy has been introduced for all accommodation stays. This contribution directly funds biodiversity-friendly, regenerative farming, energy and water efficiency upgrades, and the long-term resilience of the land.

boschendal

Future-focused farming and land stewardship

Boschendal’s sustainability work extends well beyond tourism. Through its Future of Farming initiative, the estate is demonstrating how regenerative agriculture can revive ecosystems while producing quality food. Key practices include:

  • Holistic soil regeneration and reduced reliance on synthetic inputs;
  • Rotational grazing using free-roaming cattle, pigs, chickens and bees to restore nutrient cycles;
  • Smart irrigation systems powered by soil moisture sensors and microclimate forecasting;
  • The conservation of more than 700 hectares of natural habitat through partnerships like the Greater Simonsberg Conservancy.

“Being part of Boschendal’s Green Key journey has been a unique and rewarding experience,” shared Tevya Visser, Green Key Programme Manager at WESSA. “The team’s energy, collaboration, and deep commitment to sustainability are truly inspiring. This achievement sets the tone for environmentally responsible hospitality across South Africa’s wine regions.”

Responding to a global challenge

This recognition comes at a critical moment. The World Economic Forum’s Travel and Tourism at a Turning Point report (July 2025) warns that by 2034, tourism could account for 15% of global greenhouse gas emissions. Waste levels are also projected to soar, placing immense pressure on fragile ecosystems.

Boschendal’s work directly addresses these risks by embedding sustainability into every layer of their operations from solar infrastructure producing 2 GWh of clean energy annually and cutting 6,200 tonnes of CO₂, to large-scale composting that diverts tonnes of waste from landfill.

“We see Green Key not as a badge, but as a commitment to regeneration, accountability and purpose,” continued Kropman. “Guests from key markets like the UK and Germany increasingly seek aligned, impactful travel experiences—and this certification brings credibility to that promise.”

A model for the future

At Boschendal, world-class hospitality and environmental stewardship are deeply intertwined. This Green Key milestone sets a new global standard and reinforces the idea that sustainability is not an add-on, but a defining quality of modern travel.

WESSA is proud to partner with Boschendal and celebrates this achievement as a significant step toward a more just and regenerative tourism future.

Learn more about the Green Key programme

Images of establishment: Supplied by Boschendal

#NationalScienceWeek 2025: Over 200 Learners dive into conservation

#NationalScienceWeek 2025: Over 200 Learners dive into conservation

Aug 7, 2025 | News

At WESSA we support citizen science initiatives as part of our broader mission to enable environmental stewardship and conservation.

Citizen science, where members of the public participate in scientific research, is a key component of WESSA’s approach to engaging communities in environmental monitoring and action.

However, for citizen science to be an everyday reality, young people require a basic understanding, and our programmes and partnerships facilitate key learnings to enable this.

Science meets nature

As part of the AECI Modderfontein Environmental Education Project, our latest school excursions, delivered through the WESSA Learning About Ecosystems & Forests (LEAF) Programme, offered a memorable learning experience for over 200 learners and teachers from five schools.

learners

Learners from OR Tambo, Fish Eagle Dam, Modderfontein

Iphutheng Primary Students participating in the nature conservation group activity.

The programme focused on nature conservation and biodiversity through a series of engaging and interactive activities:

  • A fun team game introduced learners to the concept of collective action for conservation.
  • CAPS-aligned lessons followed, exploring topics like conservation, extinction, and endangered species.
  • Learners worked in groups to investigate animal life within the reserve, presenting their findings to peers.
  • The experience ended with a sensory nature walk, including time at the Fish Eagle Bird Hide for birdwatching and a walk along the river trail.

 

Left: Bovet Primary student learning about the different spiders of South Africa at the Modderfontein reserve
Right: Ikage Primary Student learning about tree rings

The week was a powerful reminder of the value of place-based education, where science comes to life through nature.

A heartfelt thank you to AECI and the Modderfontein Conservation Society for making these impactful excursions possible!

Nurturing literacy and healthy Living: a Mandela month celebration at Naledi Pre-Primary

Nurturing literacy and healthy Living: a Mandela month celebration at Naledi Pre-Primary

Aug 4, 2025 | News

In the spirit of Mandela Month, WESSA and Wispeco Aluminium continued their inspiring partnership at Naledi Pre-Primary School in Katlehong, this time turning their attention to literacy and healthy living.

Building on the momentum of June’s World Environment Day, which saw the transformation of the school’s toilet facility and a joyful day of environmental education, July’s initiative focused on creating safe and inspiring spaces for learning and growth.

With the hands-on support of Wispeco Aluminium staff volunteers, Naledi’s reading corners were revamped into vibrant, welcoming areas where young learners can fall in love with stories, words, and imagination.

Simultaneously, a brand-new vegetable garden was established, offering learners a hands-on experience of where food comes from and how healthy habits begin with the soil.

“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” – Nelson Mandela

These words guided our July activities, reminding us that education is not confined to the classroom. By nurturing both minds and bodies, this initiative is helping to unlock the full potential of Naledi’s young learners.

This collaborative effort between WESSA and Wispeco Aluminium reflects the true heart of Mandela Month, active citizenship, shared responsibility, and meaningful impact. From improving sanitation to fostering literacy and food security, we are proud to be walking this journey of transformation alongside our partners.

Together, we are creating a nurturing learning environment rooted in dignity, curiosity, and care.

#MandelaMonth2025 – Environmental Action at Northdale Hospital

#MandelaMonth2025 – Environmental Action at Northdale Hospital

Jul 31, 2025 | News

In celebration of Mandela Month, WESSA’s Durban-based Schools and Youth team partnered with Nedbank staff volunteers and students from the Durban University of Technology (DUT) Pietermaritzburg, to bring meaningful change to Northdale Hospital on Friday, 25 July 2025.

This vibrant day of service highlighted the spirit of unity and giving back. A total of 24 DUT students joined the initiative, transforming the hospital’s outdoor space through hands-on beautification and environmental restoration activities.

Together, volunteers painted sections of the hospital, planted 3 trees and 60 indigenous plants, and removed over 650kg of litter from the hospital grounds – leaving a cleaner, greener, and more welcoming environment for patients and staff. Nedbank bank also donated paint for the hospital to refurnish the wards.

 

Northdale Hospital

 

Hospital management expressed heartfelt thanks, acknowledging the power of community partnerships in creating lasting impact. The event wrapped up with smiles all around and a deep sense of accomplishment.

This initiative stands as a powerful reminder that Mandela Day is more than 67 minutes – it’s a call to action. Thanks to the collaboration between WESSA, Nedbank, and DUT, Mandela’s legacy lived on through purposeful action and collective care.

 

Northdale Hospital greening

#MandelaMonth2025 – Team WESSA champions early childhood education

#MandelaMonth2025 – Team WESSA champions early childhood education

Jul 31, 2025 | News

Inspired by Nelson Mandela’s belief that education is the most powerful weapon one can use to change the world, the WESSA team in Johannesburg, spent their 67 minutes and more on 18 July, at Orlando Children’s Home in Soweto.

Skilled in education training, our team engaged the children through ECD-focused activities, ensuring that their attention was held with games and a lively puppet show, with an eco-friendly twist (of course). #EducateAdvocateAct

Mandela Day Activities

Promoting conservation and environmental education

Our goal? Stay true to our core mission and promote conservation and environmental education, that inspires future generations to be environmental stewards.

In addition, we donated non-perishable essentials to support the home’s ongoing efforts, and we would like to thank the Nestlé Nespresso SA team for adding a touch of sweetness to the day.

Our Head of HR, Melenie Parsons noted that, “At WESSA, we care for the Earth and its future stewards. By nurturing young children, we’re planting seeds for a sustainable tomorrow. Thank you to our team for championing early childhood education and community upliftment in the spirit of Ubuntu!”

As Nelson Mandela once urged, “It is in your hands to create a better world for all who live in it.”