The Mogalakwena Research Centre is an independent research entity based on a 4000ha Private Game Reserve in the remote North-Western part of the Limpopo Province. It was established in 2006 by Dr Elbe Coetsee and Dr Peter Laver to build capacity and facilitate knowledge generation in the fields of ecology, culture, anthropology, craft art design and social entrepreneurship, in this remote area.
The Research Centre is actively involved in research on a range of projects, but also facilitates study and research opportunities, assists with logistical and field support and provides a research-friendly environment for visiting national and international researchers, students, student groups and volunteers.
The Research Centre forms part of the Mogalakwena Group that also includes the Mogalakwena River Lodge & Artist’s Retreat and the Craft Art Centre and Montebello Studio.
CONSERVATION & ECOLOGY OPPORTUNITIES IN THE AFRICAN BUSH
Volunteer programme details
Our research interests lie with species adaptation to changing environments, species competition and animal vigilance. Mogalakwena reserves have a high biodiversity and your research questions can be answered by studying our birds, primates, herbivores, carnivores, reptiles, invertebrates and/or vegetation of the sweet arid bushveld. Most of our students decide upon a research question and a study species before they arrive at Mogalakwena. They will then spend the duration of their stay doing their own research project, while contributing and building on our existing database. On average you will spend 6 hours per day collecting data in the field, 4 hours in the morning and 2 hours in the afternoon. During the hottest hours of day (between 12 and 3 in summer) you might prefer not to be in the field, unless you are studying the coping mechanisms of animals in the heat or if you absolutely love the African sun.
More details here.
CONSERVATION & ECOLOGY
Focusing on the conservation of the fauna and flora of the Mogalakwena River Reserve. The main research focus areas include reserve management, wildlife management, habitat management, species abundance monitoring, wildlife ecology and behaviour, environmental observations and eco-tourism.
CRAFT ART & DESIGN
Focusing on contemporary designs and traditional skills to create unique artworks, furniture, interior accessories and table linen.
The craft artists are skilled in embroidery, beadwork, weaving and pottery, creating contemporary products for local and export markets. Mogalakwena is constantly striving to innovate products and designs, and to develop craft art skills.
ANTHROPOLOGY & CULTURAL
Focusing on the documentation, categorisation, contextualisation, preservation and dissemination of contemporary oral culture in the Blouberg area of Limpopo. The remote area of Blouberg bears witness to a stark contrast between modern urban and traditional rural values. This strong interplay between different value systems provides a culturally rich environment for research.
EDUCATION & OUTREACH
Focusing on outreach projects in the local communities to provide education with regard to the preservation of the environment, basic health care and aids awareness.
SOCIAL ENTREPRENEURSHIP
Focusing on the transformation of socially and environmentally responsible ideas into marketable products and services. Research includes triple bottom line organisations where social, environmental and financial aspects are equally important.
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