ABOUT the WEF

“YOUR  decisions and actions in THIS moment, right NOW – determine the quality of YOUR life in this moment, but also YOUR destiny AND that of our planet and every other living creature!
Choose wisely, with love, respect and compassion!”

– dr. Madelein J Grundlingh (WEF Founder) –

WHO WE ARE

Wildlife Education Foundation

The Wildlife Education Foundation (WEF) is an apolitical, Non-Profit Organisation founded and managed with integrity by a group of Conservation and Education professionals with a love and passion for wildlife and nature and the preservation of our planet’s biodiversity.

Because EVERY LIFE MATTERS

Our Founder & Patrons

The WEF is fortunate to have a few very professional and well-known public figures representing the WEF as true Patrons.

Dr Madelein J Grundlingh
Dr Madelein J GrundlinghCEO & Founder

Dr. Grundlingh is a professionally qualified and experienced zoologist and conservation education specialist, former lecturer & life science teacher, researcher, scriptwriter, artist, graphic designer and producer of nature/environmental television programmes.
Apart from various other awards, dr. Grundlingh has been awarded SANParks’ prestigious KUDU Award for her individual contribution towards environmental education and capacity building in South Africa. Other achievements include amongst others, two wildlife books on Africa’s mammals, written and published by dr. Grundlingh and the income generated from the sale of these books are ultilised by the WEF for Conservation Education. As director Research & Program Development of the SA Centre of Excellence in Life Science, Innovation, & Technology, Dr Grundlingh contributes actively in providing educational opportunities to support a holistic scientific understanding of our living world, existence and beyond.

DILANA
DILANAPatron & Global Ambassador

Born in Johannesburg, South Africa, the girl known by age two as Dilana Smith discovered a love for music at an early age. DILANA has performed with rock’s biggest legends including Tommy Lee and Mick Mars (Mötley Crue), Dave Navarro (Jane’s Addiction, Red Hot Chili Peppers), Gilby Clark (Guns N’ Roses), Aerosmith and Beth Hart.
DILANA, a born child from Africa, loves the African bush, people and wildlife, but feels a great concern regarding the shocking decline in Africa’s wildlife numbers as well as the massive destruction of “wild” habitat. In DILANA’s words: “I feel a sense of HOPE when I do something to raise awareness for some of the madness in our world today”.

Maritza Grundlingh
Maritza GrundlinghPatron & Media Partner

Maritza is a qualified, professional filmmaker and artist, who has been involved in the production of various wildlife and music productions over the years. Maritza studied Audiovisual Communication at the University of Johannesburg and is the owner of the production company Umbuli Productions, a One-Stop-Media company. In addition, Maritza holds a senior black belt in martial arts and is also a passionate guitarist. Maritza and her media company have been assisting the Wildlife Education Foundation with conservation education thought the production and use of media for more than 12 years.

Michelle Garforth-Venter
Michelle Garforth-VenterPatron

Conservation Journalist, TV Presenter & Executive Producer and co-author of the book: The Green Line. Award winning conservation journalist, Michelle Garforth-Venter, a pioneer in educational television productions and newsprint articles on sustainable living, wildlife and conservation – has through her work, created a much needed platform of awareness in mainstream media. Through her travels and passion for the natural world, while working for the world’s best known television channels, Michelle inspires others to become everyday activists and help solve the plight of our Planet.

 Jonathan Pienaar
Jonathan PienaarPatron

Jonathan Pienaar is a famous and well-loved South African writer, actor, voice-over artist and comedian. He has appeared in numerous South African and international films and television shows including Blood Diamond, Crusoe, and Wild At Heart.
Apart from being a professional and dedicated writer, actor, voice over artist and comedian for more than 20 years, Jonny is a passionate conservationist and humanist.

De Wet & Francois du Toit
De Wet & Francois du ToitPatrons

DeWet du Toit (Tarzan) is a well-known South African actor, director and producer. He is committed to starring in a Hollywood Tarzan blockbuster film and regards every bit of filming experience as a stepping-stone towards his ultimate goal.
Rudolf du Toit is the twin brother of DeWet du Toit, both well-known South African actors and filmakers.
Apart from being a professional actor, DeWet is a passionate conservationist.

BE the HERO in YOUR own LIFE STORY

TOGETHER me and YOU are the HEROES of our Planet
“WALK the WALK” – BE the HERO who CARES – NOW!