This October, as part of Elephants Alive’s ‘Ndlopfu Gogos - When the Wise Meet the Wise’ Initiative five Relate Gogos swapped their beading tables at their Ikamva Labantu Seniors Clubs in Cape Town for a once-in-a-lifetime safari filled with awe, discovery, and heartfelt connection.
Never in their wildest dreams did these senior crafters who make Relate Bracelets imagine they would find themselves deep in the African bushveld on an excursion that celebrated them and the impact of their work. Yet that dream became reality when they came face to face with the very elephants whose future we’ve long supported.
From Beading Tables to the Bush
For all of them, it was a journey of firsts: their first flight, their first safari, and their first real encounter with elephants, not in a story or photograph, but just metres away. From the moment we arrived at Hoedspruit Airport, excitement filled the air. Ronny Makukule and Tinyiko Bosch from Elephants Alive greeted us warmly before whisking us into an open-air game vehicle bound for the Thornybush Nature Reserve. Within minutes, giraffes, impalas, and buffalo appeared along the roadside fencing of the Greater Kruger, each sighting met with gasps of delight by the Gogos.
At the Thornybush HQ Camp, the Gogos were welcomed with generosity by hosts Thornybush Community Outreach. Once settled, the Gogos were inducted into the Ndlopfu Gogos programme, which included daily talks on connecting elephant conservation with community grandmothers, both seen as matriarchs and pillars of wisdom and strength.
Close Encounters and Lasting Memories
Over the next two days, sunrise and sunset game drives, courtesy of Royal Malewane and their four experienced game rangers offered breathtaking wildlife encounters.
Highlights included close-up sightings of elephant families and an encounter with the legendary Guernsey pride of lions. Each encounter was filled with silent wonder, followed by joyous laughter and spontaneous singing on our return back to camp.
“Watching the elephants and knowing that my bracelet-making will help make it possible for my grandchildren’s children to see them too, just as I have, made me realise the importance of my legacy,” said Gogo Nokuphumulela Xuba.
On day three, the journey continued to HERD (Hoedspruit Elephant Rehabilitation and Development), home to the remarkable Jabulani Herd, a family of elephants rescued and rehabilitated after being orphaned.
The Gogos were deeply moved by the stories of resilience and second chances – shared by their guardians. The Gogos spoke softly to the elephants, reaching out gently, as if acknowledging a shared understanding of endurance.
Meeting the Changemakers
The final stop took our group to Elephants Alive Headquarters, where the Gogos met co-founder and principal researcher Dr. Michelle Henley and the rest of her passionate team.
Over two days of learning, the Gogos gained a deeper understanding of how their delicate beadwork supports elephant conservation; from vital research and education to initiatives that protect both elephants and the rural communities who live alongside them.
Through interactive discussions and field demonstrations, the Elephants Alive team shared the range of activities they conduct to ensure the safety and wellbeing of elephants: • Collaring and tracking elephants to collect vital data that supports transboundary conservation across southern Africa. • Creating safe corridors that connect protected areas, allowing elephants to roam freely without conflict. • Working with local communities through beekeeping, horticulture, and gardening initiatives to encourage coexistence. • Introducing simple yet effective techniques, such as beehive fences and unpalatable crops that reduce crop damage and promote harmony between people and wildlife.
By the end the Gogos realised how their craftsmanship plays a meaningful role in sustaining the circle of care that links conservation, community, and hope for future generations.
Meeting the Black Mambas
On the final day, the Gogos met the Black Mambas, South Africa’s first all-female anti-poaching unit, another conservation initiative supported by Relate Bracelets. In an inspiring talk led by Bongani Masingi, a lead Black Mambas ranger, they learned how these young women bravely patrol reserves to protect rhinos and other critically endangered wildlife.
“To meet a brave Black Mamba and hear how she patrols through the night, unarmed, made us realise that we are part of something much bigger than we ever knew,” said Gogo Mercy Retyu.
A Journey That Gave Back
This unforgettable experience would not have been possible without Elephants Alive and the generous support of Thornybush Community Trust, Royal Malewane, The HERD Trust, Transfrontier Africa Black Mambas, and Wild Shots Outreach, who’ve beautifully documented the journey in film, to be shared soon.
As the Gogos set back on their return home to Cape Town, their hearts were full, ready share a new found worth. They carried home more than memories, they returned with inspiration and pride, knowing that their work for Relate creates real impact.
Dalit Shekel, Relate Bracelets CEO, reflects “We share a common belief system with Elephants Alive, one that recognises the deep connection that when we care for our elders, we care for our communities. The Elephants Alive Ndlopfu Gogo initiative beautifully shows how empowering older women from marginalised communities can strengthen conservation outcomes by building empathy, knowledge, and engagement that reconnect people to our natural heritage.”
Dr. Michelle Henley, Elephants Alive co-founder and principal researcher, adds, "Our aim for our ‘Ndlovu Gogo’ initiative is to show how conservation and community can grow together, inspiring a ripple effect of care and understanding across generations to come.”
This journey was a powerful reminder of how important it is for us to embrace a united African culture of connection between people and planet, between wisdom and youth, and between every bracelet made and every elephant saved.
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