TRAINING

THE NEXT GENERATION

Meet the emerging environmental writers from diverse corners of South Africa, South Korea, Kenya, and the USA. United by the Khetha New Narratives '24 online training course, they share a common mission: to amplify unheard voices, illuminate critical environmental issues, and challenge conventional narratives surrounding wildlife crime in the Greater Kruger area.

These Khetha trainees are divided into three reporting teams, each led by a team editor and lead reporter, with a dedicated writing coach to provide guidance and feedback at every step of the learning process. The top stories from these teams will be published on the Roving Reporters website and shared across our social media channels. Stay tuned!

Steve Mokaya

Steve Mokaya is an award-winning biodiversity reporter for The Standard, Kenya's leading multimedia house. A proficient podcast producer, he started with Roving Reporters in 2021 while studying journalism at the Technical University of Mombasa. He received the 2023 Media Council of Kenya Excellence Award for technology reporting and was a finalist for the 2021 Roving Reporters Young Environmental Journalist of the Year Award. Steve's work has featured in The Standard, The Star, Taifa Leo, The Africana Voice, and on New Frame.

Nyameko Ishmael Bottoman

Nyameko Ishmael Bottoman, a South African author and teacher, reignited his love for writing while living in Asia. He developed the first South African online magazine as an editor and worked as a freelance writer in China, earning an award for his stories about Ningbo. He has published two books, including a children's book and one on South African folklore. Currently, he is the Chief Editor at Write Away Magazine, showcasing South African lives at home and abroad.

Alison Duane

Alison Duane is an American scholar in South Africa, researching the synergy between land restitution and conservation. Originally from the US, she studied International Relations, Economics, Earth and Environmental Science, and Spanish. Now in Durban, she is learning Zulu to deepen her understanding of indigenous connections to land. Alison emphasizes language's role in shaping interactions with nature. In her Khetha story, "Thin Green Line: How We Speak about Nature," she seeks advice to enhance her media writing skills.

Charlene Wandera

With a BSc in Natural Resources Management, Charlene Ajiambo Wandera works at the Southern African Wildlife College as a Grant Writer, Content Curator, and Storyteller. From Kenya, she has experience in community-based conservation and believes effective communication is key to conservation success. Charlene merges storytelling with visual communication, using pictures to convey narratives and evoke emotions, dedicated to amplifying the impact of conservation storytelling.

Kemunto Ogutu

Kemunto Ogutu, a multimedia journalist with a BA in Communication and Media Studies from Egerton University, specializes in environmental and climate change reporting to promote conservation. Her freelance work has been featured in The Standard, The Africana Voice, Tidal Wave News, and The Elephant. A visual storyteller, she excels in photography, videography, and video editing, using captivating visuals to enhance her stories and engage her audience. Kemunto's commitment to impactful journalism is unwavering.

Siziwe Hlongwa

Siziwe Hlongwa is an Environmental Educator at Umbogavango Nature Reserve. She has a BSc Degree in Environmental Science from University of KwaZulu Natal in South Africa and is a WESSA youth who has experience in Environmental Education from Durban Natural Science Museum. She is currently volunteering at UShaka Sea World and Durban Botanic Gardens in the Education Department and has started freelancing for iAfrika website focusing on Environmental content in isiZulu .

Dianah Chiyangwa

Dianah Chiyangwa, a Zimbabwean-born freelance photojournalist and writer based in Johannesburg, focuses on women, children, migration, health, gender justice, climate change, and environmental issues. Her work has appeared in Mail and Guardian, TalkAfrica, China Dialogue, and Oxpeckers. Chiyangwa has won numerous fellowships, including the Digital Identity in Africa, Africa-China Relations, and Climate Crisis Fellowship. She is a 2023 Pulitzer Centre/Oxpeckers grantee and currently a WWF/VukaNow Khetha Story Project grantee.

Risuna Mashele

Risuna Mashele is a young and sophisticated librarian whose love for books knows no boundaries, books and reading brings her comfort and warmth in her heart, Risuna embodies the essence of sophistication and passion for literature. She is not your typical librarian with her keen intellect and passion for both books and technology, she stands as a beacon of innovation in the world of literature and information management. She is named to be a ray of happiness she believes kindness can be spread by simply smiling.

Lisabeal Nqamqhele

Lisabeal Nqamqhele, 22 years old. I was born in Cape Town, and grew up in a township called Lower Crossroads . I have always loved storytelling and following what is happening in the country and outside. I started my journey as a journalism student in 2022 and now I'm a third year student in Rosebank College pursuing Diploma in Journalism studies, majoring in Investigative and Crime journalism. I'm also a trainee at Khetha News Narrative.

Fortunate Mathonsi

Fortunate Mathonsi, Southern African Wildlife College, South Africa Fortunate Mathonsi has been with the college for more than ten years, coordinating the Natural Resource Management Qualifications, I have worked with students from different countries, I got to learn about the challenges facing conservation organizations in Southern Africa, I have had a privilege of leading young people in our church for the past two years, hold a BSc in Psychological Counselling from the university of South Africa, I am currently enrolled for the honors degree in Psychology.

Maxcine Kater

Maxcine Kater, 24, is an environmental officer at the Department of Fisheries, Forestry and the Environment. Since 2021, she has interned with Roving Reporters, winning their 2023 Young Environmental Journalist Award for her impressive portfolio published by the Daily Maverick. Her work includes stories on Tipping Points webinars and profiles for the Oppenheimer Research Conference. Maxcine's dedication and enthusiasm set an example for others. She is participating in the Khetha 2024 Story Project to explore wildlife crime.

Buntu Duku

Buntu, rooted in rural King Williamstown, deeply connected to his Xhosa heritage, is committed to cultural and environmental preservation. A Khetha 24 New Narrative journalism trainee, he has over a decade in the arts, earning accolades for his dedication to literature and heritage. As a storyteller, Buntu weaves narratives highlighting the symbiotic relationship between humanity and nature, empowering youth through advocacy and performance to understand and cherish their cultural and environmental legacy.

Savannah Burns

Bush-born and raised in the African wilderness, Savannah Inhaca Burns, has conservation running through her veins. With both her parents being involved in conservation, wildlife filmmaking and journalism, it is no surprise she has taken to being a freelance environmental writer, correspondent for Roving Reporters and ambassador for WESSA's Young Reporters for the Environment programme. She is currently based on the lower South Coast of KwaZulu-Natal where she has become a dedicated surfer and ocean lover.

Thuthukani Mthembu

Thuthukani Mthembu, 29, from Mandeni, KwaZulu-Natal, graduated with a Journalism Diploma from ICESA College in 2017. He has two years of experience with KZN Community Newspaper, writing stories, taking photos, and creating social media videos. He also spent four months as a sports analyst for Radio Khwezi. Currently, Thuthukani is a self-employed farmer, selling vegetables locally. A keen cricketer, he was an opening bowler for the Mandeni and iLembe cricket teams.

Tulani Ngweyna

Tulani Ngweyna is an editor and community leader. He has a special interest in covering stories about combating wildlife crime, addressing climate change, and comunity engagement. Passionate about language, media, and social justice, Tulani is working to develop his skills as a conservation writer and journalist, while continuing to advocate for environmental and community causes. He holds a Master of Social Science in Cultural and Media Studies and a Bachelor of Arts Honours in English and Communication.

ONLINE TRAINING: New Narratives '24 - Introduction to Wildlife Crime Reporting

THE NEXT GENERATION

Steve Mokaya

Nyameko Ishmael Bottoman

Alison Duane

Charlene Wandera

Kemunto Ogutu

Siziwe Hlongwa

Dianah Chiyangwa

Risuna Mashele

Lisabeal Nqamqhele

Fortunate Mathonsi

Maxcine Kater

Buntu Duku

Savannah Burns

Thuthukani Mthembu

Tulani Ngweyna

Steve Mokaya

Nyameko Ishmael Bottoman

Alison Duane

Charlene Wandera

Kemunto Ogutu

Siziwe Hlongwa

Dianah Chiyangwa

Risuna Mashele

Lisabeal Nqamqhele

Fortunate Mathonsi

Maxcine Kater

Buntu Duku

Savannah Burns

Thuthukani Mthembu

Tulani Ngweyna

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Rethinking wildlife crime coverage

NEW NARRATIVES: WEBINAR 02 DISCUSSION'Addressing Wild Crime - Good news from the Kruger'

NEW NARRATIVES: WEBINAR 01 DISCUSSION'Wildlife Trade - Do customary rights trump the rule of law?'

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NEW NARRATIVES: WEBINAR 02 DISCUSSION
'Addressing Wild Crime - Good news from the Kruger'

NEW NARRATIVES: WEBINAR 01 DISCUSSION
'Wildlife Trade - Do customary rights trump the rule of law?'