“When she shifted from competition to collaboration, all the women around her became radiant stars in a dark blue sky each one striking and rising without trying to outshine the other“
Londolozi pioneered female guiding in the early 80s, and now four and a bit decades later, together with Tracker Academy, we are proud to congratulate our first female tracker – Tsundzukani Whati. A shining star who embodies the very essence of the Londolozi Sisterhood, who has taught us lessons in collaboration and the power of never giving up on your dreams.
Tsundzukani was born in Dumphries, just outside of Londolozi. She was the first girl of her family, and at the young age of 10 years old, she began looking after her parent’s cattle, which is uncommon in African culture and is usually tasked to young boys of the family. Over time, she grew great admiration and appreciation for wildlife, as well as learning the art of tracking by spending time following the cattle or learning about new animals and their tracks. When she was just 8 years old, she would visit her stepfather who worked at Londolozi, which only enhanced her dream of working in nature at Londolozi.
Tsundzukani’s mother was an environmental monitor and taught young children about conservation with a large focus on safeguarding rhinos and antipoaching lessons. Tsundzukani spent a lot of her time volunteering at these schools with her mother, and found so much joy in imparting these critical lessons to the children of the communities she grew up in. And today she continues this work all around the Sabi Sand through organisations like Lessons in Conservation and the Good Work Foundation.
Tsundzukani’s uncle recognised the beginnings of her tracking abilities and the passion that lived within her.
“My uncle believed in me, and encouraged me to follow my dream of working in nature”
Tsundzukani found herself studying at the Good Work Foundation when she was 25 years old, first completing the international computer driving course, and then going on to study and complete the nature conservation course the following year – an absolute powerhouse! During her nature conservation course, she visited Londolozi in 2020 with the GWF and met the Londolozi ranging and tracking team. After her visit, she realised there were already women breaking the bias with the ranging team consisting of men and women. She describes her visit as being very inspiring, and from there she wanted to become the first female tracker that Londolozi and the industry had seen.
After her visit to Londolozi, she contacted Innocent Ngwenya, the head trainer of Tracker Academy. The Tracker Academy takes 16 students each year but receives over 2000 applicants for each course – making it incredibly difficult and prestigious to get in. Tsundzukani was accepted in 2022, after two years of applying, her determination paid off and she couldn’t contain her excitement to begin the journey of learning the ancient art form, right here at Londolozi.
Tsunzdukani feels that traditionally, tracking has been a male-dominated industry.
“As women, we can do it too. We are equals and anything is possible”
During her time with Tracker Academy, Tsundzukani hoped, that once she graduated she would work as a tracker at Londolozi. She has always felt inspired by the stories of master trackers of Londolozi like Keys Mnisi, Winnus Matchebula, Richard Siwela and of course the great Elmon and Renias Mhlongo.
Tsundzukani is the living embodiment of the Londolozi Ripple Effect. It’s wonderful to see how tiny stepping stones, like education lessons with the Good Work Foundation, have led to her training at the Tracker Academy and ultimately reaching the full potential of her dream. Tsunzdukani represents how every single ripple if nurtured, can become an ocean.
Tsundzukani is now fully employed at Londolozi as a tracker, the first female in her industry – a prestigious moment in the history books! Tsundzukani is the embodiment of breaking barriers and challenging the norm.
“It is a dream come true”
We were privileged to host Tsundzukani for the second episode of The Family Business Podcast. Listen to the Soundcloud clip below to discover more about her inspiring story, and her message this women’s day.
It is such an honour to have Tsundzukani as part of the Londolozi Sisterhood, which has roots that reach far and wide. A golden thread of women that have walked many a dark tunnel tracking towards the light. We know each other as sisters do. A bond that is both timeless and unbreakable. Tsundzkunai is a beacon of golden light, a symbol of what is possible when women are given the opportunity to pursue their dreams. Her presence at Londolozi is a testament to the power of perseverance and the importance of supporting and uplifting one another. Her courage and dedication has inspired us all, reminding us that the thread we share is not just one of tradition, but also one of progress and possibility.
Who knows, maybe one day there will be a full Tracker Academy class of women? The possibilities are endless.
- Donate to reimagining education with The Good Work Foundation (use the #Londolozi in the comments section)
- Donate to the preservation of ancient knowledge and the creation of safe havens for iconic species like the rhino with Tracker Academy and Rhino Guardians (use the #Londolozi in the subject line)
- Donate to conservation lessons in rural communities with Lessons In Conservation
Thank you to Gaynor Rupert for her vision, energy, and grace in making Tracker Academy a reality in the first place. Inkomu, Mrs. Rupert! You have made a material difference in the protection of wild animals and wild places.
We celebrate not only the women of Londolozi but also women everywhere. We recognize the invaluable role they play as teachers, mentors, and guides, shaping the future with their knowledge and experience. We honour those who have come before us, and those to follow, for being the golden threads that bind their communities.
May your thread continue to shine brightly, connecting us all in a harmonious and unbreakable strand of life.
