In my short time so far in Eswatini, I have been first-hand able to experience some of the bottom-up initiatives aimed at elevating future economic enterprises in the country, with a considerable emphasis on youth empowerment. I have been fortunate enough to have been able to contribute to entrepreneurship classes aimed at building the skills that many of the youth currently regrettably lack, but yet need in order to succeed in building their own profitable start-ups. In present-day Eswatini among the youth, there is an unemployment rate ranging from 40%-70% throughout the kingdom, something that has only been exacerbated by the covid pandemic. Through my research, as well as when chatting to students in the class I have come across a recurring theme where young adults have been forced to abandon their livelihood during the pandemic and now find it increasingly hard to regain their previous source of income.

Alexander presents his findings.

In response to this, classes such as the one I’ve been part of have sprung up across the country, aiming to help young adults provide for themselves rather than have to face the limited other opportunities around. During these classes, I have been able to hear some of the business ideas and plans that different individuals have put forward, and what has struck me the most is the range of ideas coming from such a small group. Plans ranged from selling electrical services to exporting poultry abroad as far as the UAE as well as developing a mobile system where patients are more easily able to track their daily symptoms; thus grossly helping medical professionals in diagnosing ailments quicker and supplying cures more efficiently. What has become clear in my short stint so far is that this is a deeply resourceful group of young adults who definitely want to ameliorate their future, and I have felt fortunate to learn from them and try to help them in any way can. Lessons, despite the vast amount of content covered, are light-hearted and I believe that they are taking in what is being said and doing their best to try to gain the skills that will help them a great deal in the future.

During my time here in Eswatini, working days have followed a familiar recurring schedule. Around 8:30 every morning I would start off with the research portion of my day, which would normally take me through towards lunch which I would prepare for myself. This would be followed by a short trip downtown towards the local NCP for a 13:30 start which would last through to 15:30, with me presenting my findings to the group as well as answering questions. After returning back to the lodge preparation would begin for research the following day as well as personal work and leisure.

Enterprise development coordinator Mfanukhona facilitating a class.

So far, my research has stemmed from factors affecting entrepreneurship development and the processes needed to create a successful and profitable micro-enterprise. I have taken a deeper look at the importance of an effective business plan, as well as what it should contain, marketing; the debate of online vs traditional methods, and the significance of primary and secondary research in performing a SWOT analysis. All of the above processes help in identifying your competitors and target market. When identifying the factors that affect entrepreneurship development I did my best to keep it relevant to Eswatini so that it would best engage my audience when presenting. This was most easily done when trying to find Business Development Services in the kingdom for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs). An extract of my research from this section can be seen below.

‘When you start a business it is important to look for potential investors. They can be useful for a number of reasons. Firstly, they will provide seed capital to start the business. Secondly, they assist in business planning for a startup. Thirdly, they are profit oriented hence they will ensure that capital is invested in the correct way and can be consulted with. There are a number of investors in Eswatini who offer such services. The Small Enterprises Development Company (SEDCO) is a Government supported organisation established in 1970 with the mandate to create, develop and promote Small, Micro & Medium Enterprises (SMMEs) throughout the Kingdom of Eswatini. This makes it one of the largest and most reputable investors.  The Industrial Development Company Of Eswatini (IDCE) is another example of a well known lender that offers agricultural, corporate and SME loans.

 SME, Small Medium Enterprise, loans are targeted and suitable to every sector of the economy for purposes of funding of goods or services required by the business. An example of the terms for an SME loan from IDCE are:

Minimum: E10 000 (Swazi lilangeni)

Maximum: E1.5 million

Repayment Period: 3 – 5 years

Security: should be able cover 100% of the total debt

Promoter’s Contribution: a minimum of 20% of the total project total cost

What was at the heart of the lessons was an attempt to try to change the mindset of Swazis in order to allow them to think more like entrepreneurs. In order to do this, I tried to include a section in my work on initial ideas that needed to be considered when starting a business as well as considering your ‘why,’ as nine times out of ten a larger goal than simply to make money is what drove the world’s richest individuals when they first started their own businesses. An individual’s why could be to have a positive impact on the environment or to help elevate their local community. Pairing this with an idea that is profitable and that they are talented will more than likely lead to a successful initial business, assuming that external factors remain constant.

Written by Pama Alexander, Microfinance intern 

The beginning of the trip

For those who don’t know, I took a second big trip to South Africa and Eswatini. This trip was not only travelling, it included also volunteering.

So first thing first.

Back home, I was searching if it was possible to travel and to my surprise it was possible. But it was a bit harder, I was searching for countries and there it was: a volunteering project. The project involved a little bit of travelling and volunteering. I was curious and clicked on it and after reading the itinerary I was so excited and decided to go for it!

The first day

On the first day, I had a great experience. It began with a warm welcome at the airport from our best All Out Africa staff member Bob. And a first great experience with the other volunteers and the staff in the Kruger Park. From the first moment, the group was so close. I had the best time and a lot of inside jokes. I was sad that I had to leave the stunning place and the staff with all their wisdom about nature and animals. And I will miss the funny stories. 

A special thanks to Adriaan our ranger. Or shall I say, Andrew? But also Phayo, Bob and Roland for this great experience. Most of all for your patience with us with our silly and weird questions, we had a great time. 

A group photo at Kruger Park National                     

Volunteering project

Then it was time for the next experience where we came for the volunteering, in Eswatini, one of the smallest countries in the African continent with stunning scenery. We had a second big warm welcome from the All Out Africa and the Lidwala lodge staff. Lidwala Lodge became our second home, a beautiful lodge surrounded by a lot of nature.

After settling down, we had two orientations and followed by a guided tour in one of the most famous and iconic residential villages Lobamba. It was finally time for volunteering. And there it was: our first day, It all started with the Kombis (the public transport) it is so different from home, but luckily Eunice the NCP coordinator was with us for guidance.

A group photo captured after our Eswatini orientation

The bus is very small and it is called a kombi, If you need a kombi,  you just stand near the road and wave at the kombi. The kombi stops for you and you say your stash (drop off place) and you get in. Sometimes you have a place and sometimes not. The first time it was a little bit scary, but luckily the people were so helpful and always keen to help, especially when we were wearing our volunteering shirts.

Eswatini mode of transport (Kombi)

Back to the story, together with Femke my NCP buddy, we went to our NCP for the first time, which is in Mvutjini (in the beginning, we didn’t pronounce it right and that gave us a lot of laughter). We were in shock the first time at our NCP, to be honest. It was so different from home, we came to realize that we were so privileged. Besides a lot of love from the teacher, the school didn’t have much, they have to work with almost nothing because they rely on donations.

Children playing at Mvutjini NCP

NCP which stands for neighbourhood care point is an informal preschool, most of the underprivileged and orphans in the Kingdom go to an NCP for education and there are eight NCPs that are supported by All Out Africa. One of the interesting things about the NCPs is that the teachers are not professional teachers but they are passionate about working with children and want to give them a good future. You can say the teachers are volunteers too. At the NCPs they are not only providing pre-education, but they also provide meals for the children and do sports with them. They get a chance for a brighter future. I love to be a part of that. I know I can’t change the world, but every step helps.

An obstacle course race at the NCP

Preparing a meal for the NCP children

The workshop

I was thinking: how can I do more? I know about the development of children. Back home, I have a degree and I am a specialist in the development of children from 0-6 years old. After a lot of thinking and discussing with the other volunteers, we found a solution to help a little.

We had the idea to make a program with suggestions for the whole school year. Together with the other volunteers, we set up a book to teach children how to write. The staff from All Out Africa was happy and asked if we can do more with this project. So the project became bigger and bigger. Together with Eunice, the NCP coordinator, we came with the idea to give all the NCP teachers a workshop. I was so excited because I love to host workshops.

And there it was: a workshop about the development of pre-writing and the stages. The biggest and most important message was how a child learns through play.

The day of the workshop was here and I was so nervous because I had to host a workshop in English which is not my first language. That day, we had to face a big problem. This day there weren’t driving Kombis. So the staff had to improvise. Simise (Marketing Coordinator and Team leader) and Michael (Building and Sports coordinator) had to drive all the volunteers to the NCP”s and collect all the teachers to Lidwala Lodge where we hosted the workshop. So it took a little bit longer until I could start with the workshop. The nerves got me, but then there was the lovely Tiphiwe (she works at the office and every day she has the patience to listen to me for a nice little chat). She was comforting me. During the workshop, Simise (the team leader with the funniest laugh) was supporting me.

NCP teachers during their workshop

During the workshop, every minute I felt more and more comfortable doing it in another language. We had a good conversation and exchanged knowledge and experiences. It was a nice workshop. The teachers were very happy and asked a lot of questions. They were so curious and were willing to learn things. It was a big pleasure to meet all the teachers and give them this workshop.

Lastly, I want to give a big shout out to the other volunteers to help me set this up. And a big thanks to All Out Africa for giving me this opportunity. 

Myself, Simise and the NCP teachers after the workshop

It is so beautiful to see that there are people in this world that are willing to help the unprivileged. And that they give them a chance. A big compliment to the staff from All Out Africa, that they are so dedicated and took us, the volunteers, under their wings for this big impression.

Group photo with All Out Africa staff and volunteers

If you want to know more about All Out Africa, donate or volunteer. Just look at their website or feel free to approach them with questions. If you want to know more inside information from the volunteers about this experience, the staff from All Out Africa can help you to get in contact with me or the other volunteers.

Thank you and best wishes,

Written by Shirley Ramkhelawan

Click here if you would like to know more about our Safari tour, or our Volunteering programs.

As I browse through the Linkedin app, I began reading, congratulations messages from my connections and it registered late that this month is my official 3rd anniversary working for All Out Africa. A big thanks to all of you who sent me a quick note, I appreciate all of the kind words.

I started reflecting on my experience working at All Out Africa, and I realized how my work anniversary is a bigger deal to me than I thought. I remember my first day at work as a photography intern, my heart was beating, pulse racing, nerves ticking as I entered the threshold of what would be my workplace the next three years. 2018 to be precise, I was young and full of great expectations. I worked very hard that year and to my surprise, I was promoted to be a Marketing Assistant and Team Leader. I was assigned to create content for All Out Africa and do other marketing tasks under the supervision of Ginger Green who was the Marketing Coordinator then.

Simise with volunteers planting a tree during World Environment Day

During my experience at All Out Africa, I have learned that progress does not stand still and living within your purpose is not easy but it is all worth it. I am thankful that the company provided me with opportunities for self-development. So, my everyday advice is to use every opportunity to do your work to the best of your ability and choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life.

Before I drop the microphone I would like to thank the All Out Africa Team, Ginger, all the international volunteers who contributed immensely to my career and lastly I will forever be grateful to Kim and Robs Roques as they have given me the head start towards my career.

I thank you.

Written by Simise Masilela, Marketing and Donations Coordinator 

We had one extremely rough day on the ocean where the boat launch was nearly cancelled. Bracing ourselves through the chop, inevitably when we rolled back to get underwater it was absolutely glorious on dive site ‘Giants’. With top-to-bottom visibility, what a relief to get off the surface. As we turn to see where we are heading, a carpet of white and black glides over the rocky bottom – a reef manta ray directly below us! We slowly headed to the sea floor and held our position, but as a small dive group of 4, our new manta friend was so relaxed she circled us several times. She once flashed her belly within two meters of our heads! ID shots taken, we continued the dive.

A diver taking ID Shot

A little way along the tall reef wall, we would often find the resident loggerhead turtle in a rocky overhang, but he just wasn’t there. Perhaps he has moved on since it’s been so long that we have been diving on ‘Giants’. Enjoying the schooling trevally overhead and inspecting the little white-banded cleaner shrimp in their holes, bam. We look up and our old huge loggerhead neighbor almost swam right into us! What a relief to see him, and to know he’s still keeping guard of his rocky nook. Just as our computers had begun to tell us it was time to ascend, we always take a look all around – above and below in the depths. Unbelievable.

A first for me after nearly 5 years of diving these waters, a ragged-tooth shark! Sadly, it was sitting at around 35 meters, and we were forced to begin our ascent. It goes to show – you must always be patient and persistent, you never know what a rough ocean might deliver.

To learn more about our All Out Africa Marine Research project, or talk about how you can get involved, please email bookings@alloutafrica.com

As a tourism entrepreneur, I have experienced the depths of the challenges first hand. 2020 was going to be our busiest year ever! On 13th March 2020, we called our entire All Out Africa staff together across 3 countries for an emergency meeting: How to navigate the challenges of COVID-19 as a tourism business? What to expect? Wow, it has been tough! Looking back there is not much we could have done differently.

COVID-19 in Southern Africa and Emotional Wellbeing

With the travel restrictions and lockdowns implemented across the world, everyone has experienced emotional downs and ups. Anxiety, depression and mental health have deteriorated (https://www.washingtonpost.com/health/2020/05/04/mental-health-coronavirus/).

All Out Africa went from a thriving growing travel business to one where income suddenly crashed to zero overnight. I recall sitting with my head in my hands wondering how we would stay afloat. We have had to make some very tough decisions. With no government relief for salaries, our staff team has dwindled. We’ve struggled to cope with the economic and social challenges this has placed on us, our beneficiaries and associated communities. Uncertainty has been the order of the day.

COVID-19 and Tourism Restrictions in Southern Africa

Lockdowns in southern Africa happened quickly. Travel halted and a lot of economic activity came to a grinding halt. The discovery of the 501Y.V2. variant in South Africa has resulted in it being labelled the “South African Variant” although it is present worldwide and it is not certain where it originated. This discovery has led many countries to impose special restrictions on travellers from South Africa.

As infections receded the lockdowns eased in southern Africa and the economy breathed. The second wave of infection spread and travel restrictions were again implemented. The longer it went on the harder it has been for tourism businesses to stay afloat. I remember thinking surely the restrictions would not last longer than a year – little hope! Now I find myself hoping it won’t last longer than 2 years!

COVID-19 and Tourism in 2021

Early 2021 has been a time of introspection, grit and crystal ball gazing. As the All Out Africa family, we are immensely proud of what we have managed to accomplish during this time and how our team has coped through the challenges. We are hugely grateful to our supporters and partners who have enabled us to continue so much of the good work we do. Thank you, without you, it would not have been impossible.

All Out Africa Team

The vaccine rollout has been encouraging although it has been desperate to see Africa last on most distribution lists. It has been heartening to see the growth in local travel and All Out Africa has used the chance to launch some new experiences which add some exciting diversity to our products. We remain hopeful of travel opening up in the second half of 2021 although it is likely to be slow in recovering.

Tourism Recovery in Southern Africa

So how will the recovery be? Likely slow since many tourism businesses from airlines to travel agents to hotels and activity companies have failed. It does seem clear that people are eager to travel and when they can, they will. We’re hopeful that being largely in the youth market and being focused on experiential travel and longer trips All Out Africa will be at the front of the recovery line for tourism in southern Africa. When exactly tourism bounces back for good and how quickly is anyone’s guess at this stage.

All Out Africa Coping and Evolving

What’s keeping us going you ask? Well, our projects have become even more important and necessary as the socio-economic devastation of the COVID-19 pandemic has grown. Our social projects in Eswatini have tackled hunger, poverty, education and life-skill development.

All Out Africa doing food parcel deliveries

Our Savannah Conservation project has produced a wealth of important field progress. This is despite the research camp being flooded out as the Mbuluzi River burst it’s banks during Cyclone Eloise.

The Savannah Research Centre camp being flooded

Our Marine Conservation project has gone through some exciting changes in office, accommodation & dive partners that we feel will help raise it to the next level.

Tilak Lodge new volunteer accommodation

We’ve had to get creative with our experiences and tailor some to the local market. We’ve added some great new hiking and day tour experiences to our Eswatini tours. We’ve been limited by restrictions on our South Africa and Mozambique tours, but have been making some good preparations for future trips.

All in all, we are optimistic about the future and grateful for what we have, despite the current challenges.

Written by Kim Roques, Founder and Director of All Out Africa.