13/07/2026
🚀 Better Late Than Never!
Things have been moving at lightning speed around here over the last few months! 🌪️ It’s taken us a moment to catch our breath, but this is a story that simply has to be shared.
During our recent MBA lecture and study block, our cohort stepped out of the classroom and into the ecosystem of the Eastern Cape, visiting local businesses, community initiatives, and organisations making a real-world impact.
One of the absolute highlights of the tour was our visit to the incredible Three Valleys Wildlife near Bathurst. 🇿🇦
Three Valleys isn't just one thing—they are a masterclass in multifaceted impact:
🌾 An innovative agricultural business
🐾 A dedicated non-profit animal welfare organisation
🤝 A vital community partner
They gave our students a candid, unfiltered look behind the scenes, sharing the raw pitfalls and hard-won successes they’ve experienced over the last decade to build the thriving, sustainable organisation they are today. For a room full of future business leaders, it was an invaluable lesson in resilience, strategy, and purpose-driven growth.
💬 In Their Own Words: MBA Student Reflections
But don’t just take our word for it! Here is what our students had to say about this eye-opening experience:
Student 1: I am still processing how magical my visit to Three Valley was 🌿🦒 Coming from Eswatini, where the “wildest” animal I’d seen was a lion, seeing a real Siberian tiger, leopard, and black panther-like cat up close felt unreal. Even more interesting was learning that “panther” is mostly a movie term, and the black cat is actually a black leopard! The giraffes and ostriches added such a beautiful touch to the experience. And the proteas? Absolutely fascinating, they take a whole year to grow, yet can stay fresh for almost 6 months after being cut. Nature really is incredible 🐾🌸
Student 2: This province never fails to amaze me. There are countless examples of ordinary people doing extraordinary things every day. It was a privilege to spend the day at Three Valleys Protea Farm, where I gained a deeper appreciation for the level of innovation, science, and dedication that modern farming requires.
The experience also highlighted the importance of closing the gap in education, support, and access to opportunities for emerging farmers. As a province and country, we still have significant work to do in empowering people with the knowledge, resources, and support needed to unlock their full potential.
If we are serious about addressing unemployment and driving sustainable growth, we need a deliberate commitment to creating and sharing opportunities that enable more people to succeed.
Student 3: Visiting Three Valley Farm felt like a real blessing. What made the experience even more meaningful was seeing protea cultivation firsthand after another group in our Responsible Management class used the Protea as the symbol for their leadership model. It was one of those moments where classroom learning suddenly connects with real life.
Student 4: What an unforgettable experience at Three Valleys! Set across a breathtaking 1000-hectare farm, the day began with an insightful session led by Frans, followed by a spectacular game drive. Guided by the incredible Danelle (hope I got the spelling right!), every moment was brought to life; from the fascinating “muted” story to the insect that feeds on prickly pears; nature’s own pink lipstick. We journeyed through vibrant protea fields and fynbos 🌸 to the sanctuary, where seeing Shadow the black leopard 🖤 and Ruby the Siberian tiger up close was unforgettable. The majestic lions 🦁 were a true highlight, followed by sightings of giraffes, zebras and several bucks across the stunning landscape. The farm’s rich history, including its preserved grave site, added even more depth to the experience. Truly a day to remember.
