Working to empower the local community, Lalibela Game Reserve’s strong-willed programme officer is changing lives for the better. 

‘She’s dynamic. She’s meticulous. She’s progressive. But, within all of that, she’s an incredibly caring individual.’

This is what Lalibela Game Reserve CEO Johann Lombard has to say about the company’s Community Liaison Officer, Thozama Mgcima, and his praise is firmly grounded in reality. The small nearby community of Seven Fountains is at the heart of Lalibela’s outreach foundation, and at the heart of the that is Mgcima.

As a conservation-for-conservation’s-sake reserve dedicated to the flora, fauna and community of the Eastern Cape, Lalibela Game Reserve continuously makes waves in Seven Fountains with its impactful outreach programme. Spearheaded by Mgcima, the programme aims to foster sustainable development and uplift the 1 200 people living there by addressing key social, economic and environmental challenges through sports development initiatives, educational programmes, multiple feeding schemes, community enrichment functions, holiday clubs for kids and a veterinarian project for local dogs.

Born and raised in Alexandria, a small township just outside Gqeberha, Mgcima was the middle child of three. Exposed from an early age to inequality and violence within her community, she decided that she wanted to make a change. After school, she landed her very first job at Lalibela in a housekeeping role, but soon progressed to a front-of-house position. Keen to advance her education, Mgcima then studied for four years to become a social worker, before working in that role at Settlers Hospital in Makhanda. 

This year, Mgcima was headhunted by Lalibela to return as the Community Liaison Officer, where her dedication and caring approach have garnered much support and recognition from local residents and the Lalibela team. And she’s taken the role to the next level, establishing herself as a pillar of support to both children and the elderly, and staying active on community platforms to establish their priorities. ‘Despite not hailing from Seven Fountains, Thozama has been actively embraced as a member of the community,’ says Lombard.

As Lalibela continues to have a positive impact on the lives of those in the Seven Fountains community, Mgcima stands proudly as an inspiring figurehead, driving change and making a lasting difference. And each and every visitor to Lalibela Game Reserve contributes directly to this ongoing project and Mgcima’s lasting influence through the Conservation and Community Levy.

For more information about Lalibela’s conservation and community outreach programme, visit https://lalibela.net/giving-back/.