"Born to Explore" TV Show Features Empowers Africa Projects

Richard Wiese, host and producer of “Born to Explore” (ABC Saturday mornings), traveled to South Africa to meet some of the champions of our projects.
In Cape Town he was hosted by Imibala and had the opportunity to attend and film their annual talent show. See below an interview with the winner, 13 year old opera singer, Asemahle Sentiwe, from the township of Nonzamo. The episode which featured this project and other stories around Cape Town was viewed by 1.5 million people. “I am always so profoundly moved by people who are able to succeed despite very challenging conditions and how such a small “hand-up” can make such a difference for the rest of their lives,” says Richard Wiese.
Born to Explore: Imibala Capetown South Africa

The Born to Explore Team then traveled to Phinda Private Game Reserve where they visited two of Africa Foundation’s success projects, the Zamani Community Garden in Kwa-Jobe and Nkomo Primary school in Mduku.
Richard interviews the chair of the women’s cooperative, Mary Mbonambi, amongst the vegetables, a cooperative garden where irrigation was installed by Africa Foundation as part of its business linkage program. The gardens provide food for the coop members’ families as well as a revenue stream as the produce is sold to the local game lodges and supermarkets.
Born to Explore: Zulu Community Garden South Africa

Nearby at the Nkomo Primary School, which has received most of its support from the Africa Foundation and Phinda, Richard interviewed one of their star students, 11 year old Busisiwe Nxumalo – well let’s say she interviewed him… “This is one of the most inspiring schools I have every visited,” say Richard. Its founder and principal, Mrs. Zikali, started the school teaching under the shade of the trees. “Mrs. Zikali is one of the most determined and admirable people I have ever met,” says Richard.
Born to Explore: Nkomo Primary in School South Africa