“We’re not just teaching people how to save – we are empowering them to plan, adapt, and build something lasting for their future” ~ Mpho Mativandela.
On 20 June, Mpho Mativandela of the Kruger to Canyons Biosphere Region’s Pro-Nature Livelihoods team joined Lewell Viljoen on HFM Stream for a Conservation Conversation. Mpho spoke about her background, her role as Eco Savings and Credit Group (ESCG) Coordinator, and the innovative financial empowerment work being done in communities like Phiring, Moremela, and Ravuelang.
She explained how savings groups function similarly to stokvels but are structured with inclusive governance, transparency and financial literacy training. These groups promote climate resilience and livelihood sustainability by enabling community members, especially women, to access eco-loans for farming, business and adaptation purposes.
The success of the programme lies in its grassroots approach, community-driven governance, and integration with broader K2C conservation goals, including access to markets like the Hoedspruit Farmers Market.
Thank you to Hoedspruit FM Stream for giving K2C this platform to share our story!