Driving Change

Ford South Africa has actively supported environmental conservation, research, and education for more than three decades, passionately preserving the country’s rich biodiversity. The Ford Wildlife Foundation (FWF), established in 2014, currently supports 29 environmental and wildlife conservation, research, and education projects. Locally produced Ford Rangers are provided to partner organizations, giving them crucial mobility to reach remote areas while freeing up limited resources to implement their projects.

“I dream of an Africa which is in peace with itself. I dream of the realization of the unity of Africa, whereby its leaders combine in their efforts to solve the problems of this continent. I dream of our vast deserts, of our forests, of all our great wildernesses. We must never forget that it is our duty to protect this environment.” – Nelson Mandela.

Madiba, with his wisdom and global admiration, was not just about unity and a brighter future for our children. He was also about ensuring that this bright future had a backdrop of verdant landscapes, thriving wildlife, and the clear call of birds. Mandela's vision was one where prosperity didn't come at the cost of our natural heritage but instead went hand in hand with its preservation.

This commitment to both people and the planet is something Ford South Africa understands deeply. On one hand, Ford is a powerhouse in the economy, supporting thousands of jobs and contributing billions to local production with its iconic Ranger bakkie. On the other hand, it’s a green warrior, channeling the power of the sun with its innovative solar car park at the Silverton Manufacturing Plant and implementing energy-saving initiatives that would make the most ardent environmentalist proud.

But Ford’s commitment doesn’t stop at greener manufacturing. It extends into the wild – quite literally. Through the Ford Wildlife Foundation (FWF), Ford South Africa is using its rugged Ranger as more than just a vehicle; it’s a lifeline, a key player in the battle to save endangered species and their habitats across Southern Africa.

Since its inception in 2014, the Ford Wildlife Foundation has been at the heart of Ford’s efforts to give back to the country. And as Ford celebrates its Centenary in South Africa, the FWF is a testament to its steadfast dedication to the environment. The FWF provides Ranger 4x4 Double Cabs on long-term loans to environmental projects, ensuring that organizations can reach the farthest, most challenging terrains. This means that instead of worrying about how they’ll get to a remote conservation site, these organizations can focus on the work that truly matters – saving species, protecting habitats, and educating the next generation of environmental stewards.

Over the past seven years, the FWF has loaned 81 Rangers to various projects, with some organizations on their second, third, or even fourth vehicle. These Rangers aren’t just vehicles; they’re trusted partners in the fight to preserve biodiversity. And when their loan period ends, many organizations choose to purchase them, further extending the impact of these indomitable machines.

Rhinos to Renosterveld: A Broad Spectrum of Conservation

The 29 projects currently supported by the FWF cover a vast array of conservation efforts, from the towering rhinoceros to the delicate Renosterveld. Each project is a critical piece in the puzzle of Southern Africa’s biodiversity.

Take the Black Rhino Range Expansion Project in KwaZulu-Natal, for example. This initiative is working tirelessly to create new populations of black rhinos, moving them to safer areas where they can thrive. Then there’s the Overberg Renosterveld Conservation Project, which collaborates with farmers to protect one of the world’s most endangered ecosystems.

The FWF’s reach also extends to the skies. The Southern Ground-Hornbill, an endangered bird in South Africa, has a fighting chance thanks to a project that hand-rears chicks abandoned by their parents. Meanwhile, VulPro’s work with the Whitebacked African vulture is ensuring that these vital scavengers continue to play their role in the ecosystem.

The FWF-supported Carnivore Conservation Project in the Kruger National Park is another shining example. Focused on the African wild dog, South Africa’s most endangered carnivore, the project is implementing strategies to boost their numbers and expand their range. Similarly, the Cheetah Range Expansion Project, supported by the Endangered Wildlife Trust, is relocating cheetahs to maintain genetic diversity and prevent inbreeding.

Waterways and coastlines aren’t left out of the picture either. The Oceanographic Research Institute, for example, is working to conserve and manage coral reefs, while SANCCOB leads efforts to rescue and rehabilitate African penguins and other seabirds.

Education: The Key to Long-term Conservation

While these conservation efforts are vital, they would be in vain without education. The Ford Wildlife Foundation knows that to truly protect the environment, we need to change mindsets. This is why five of its partner projects focus on education, teaching communities about the importance of sustainability and fostering a new generation of environmental advocates.

The Lapalala Wilderness School, for instance, is nurturing future conservation champions in the Waterberg region. And in Gauteng, WESSA’s International Schools Programme is helping learners, parents, and teachers understand the critical relationship between people and nature.

A Call to Action

Madiba reminded us that it’s our duty to protect the environment. But this duty isn’t just for a select few – it’s for all of us. We all need to take responsibility, whether it’s by making small changes in our daily lives or by supporting the tireless work of organizations like those backed by the Ford Wildlife Foundation.

Education is the most powerful tool we have to change mindsets, but action must follow. By working together and taking a stand for our environment, we can ensure that when we hand over this world to the next generation, it’s a place where wildlife thrives, rivers run clear, and the air is fresh – a world where Mandela’s dream of a peaceful and prosperous Africa in harmony with its environment is a reality.