From humble beginnings to the pinnacle of success, Renias Mhlongo’s journey is a testament to the power of perseverance, unity, and unwavering belief in one’s dreams.
Born in the heart of the Kruger National Park, Renias’s early years were marked by the rich traditions of the Shangaan people, steeped in the art of observation and tracking.
Growing up during the apartheid era, Renias faced challenges that would shape his destiny. Forced to flee his home after his father was wrongly accused of poaching, Renias found himself navigating the uncertainty of a new life in a settlement called Dixie, clutching onto the tail of a cow as his family journeyed northward.
Meanwhile, in the southern Cape’s cattle farms, Alex van den Heever was beginning his own journey. Growing up amidst the sweeping dunes of Plettenberg Bay, Alex’s childhood mirrored Renias’s in its connection to nature, albeit in a different landscape.
Their paths first crossed at Londolozi game reserve, where Alex found himself drawn to Renias’s legendary tracking skills. Despite their differing backgrounds, they shared a common passion for conservation and a mutual respect for the land. It was here that their extraordinary partnership began to take shape.
Renias’s legendary tracking skills soon became renowned throughout Londolozi, paving the way for a groundbreaking partnership in leopard conservation. Together with his brothers, Renias pioneered wild leopard viewing, transforming the ancient craft of tracking into a legacy that drew visitors from around the world.
Inspired by Renias’s resilience and guided by their shared vision, Alex and Renias, along with Gaynor Rupert, founded the Tracker Academy to empower young rural people. Over a decade later, the Academy has seen 266 graduates finding gainful employment in the conservation industry, it is a testament to their commitment to uplifting their community and preserving South Africa’s natural heritage.
Their efforts culminated in the establishment of Tshokwane River Camp, a testament to Renias Mhlongo’s remarkable journey. Now, the once cattle herder on the dusty savanna stands as a shareholder in KrugerUntamed, a safari business that symbolizes more than profit – it embodies hope and unity.
Renias’s transition from cattle herder to safari owner is a profound testament to the power of unity and the resilience of the human spirit. As he looks towards the future, he does so with gratitude for the journey that brought him here, and a renewed sense of purpose in preserving South Africa’s natural wonders for generations to come. Alongside him, Alex van den Heever shares in this vision, grateful for the bond forged through shared experiences and committed to the ongoing preservation of South Africa’s natural heritage.
