The Southern African Wildlife College (SAWC) in Hoedspruit has achieved national accreditation for its Diploma in Applied Natural Resource Management programme.
The milestone follows a multi-year process to ensure the programme meets academic and professional standards. At the end of 2024, the institution secured accreditation from the Council on Higher Education. Additionally, with the recent registration of the qualification by the South African Qualifications Authority, the college announced, on May 27, that the diploma is fully recognised as a nationally registered qualification at NQF Level 6.
Dion George, Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, welcomed the accreditation stating: “This accreditation is a game changer for conservation education in South Africa. It empowers the SAWC to train skilled professionals who will lead the charge in safeguarding our wildlife and natural heritage.
“I urge young South Africans to seize this opportunity and enrol in this programme. By building a career in conservation, you can help protect our beautiful wildlife, combat poaching and create sustainable job opportunities that will benefit our communities and our environment.”
