WATERFORD Kamhlaba Form III students successfully embarked on the annual two-week Nyatsela Outdoor Learning Programme.
The students left on Wednesday, July 23 and returned on Wednesday, August 6, 2025.
The campsites were situated at Shewula Mountain Camp, Mlawula Nature Reserve, Mbuluzi Game Reserve, Mhlumeni Boot Camp and Mhlumeni Bush Camp.
The Nyatsela route went through nine camps and bush camps such as Malayida Cave, Ndzindza Ranger Camp and Sunset Camp.
Nyatsela is a learning expedition designed for Form III students, taking them on a 14-day journey through the breathtaking Lubombo Conservancy in Eswatini. Activities include hiking, cooking, cleaning, washing and village tours. They carry backpacks that contain everything they would use during the outreach such as clothing, toiletries, gas stove, cooking pot, food and water.
Accompanied by dedicated teachers, experienced guides and support staff, students step away from their usual comfort, leaving behind luxuries and electronic devices to fully im¬merse themselves in nature and community.
EXPERIENCE
Through camping, hiking and daily challenges, students gain first-hand experience of rural Eswatini’s rich culture, environment and wildlife. They develop resilience, independence and a deeper understanding of the world around them.
The students were divided into six groups, each comprising of 13 or 14 of them. By the time they returned, each child had walked about 50km and hiked an average of six kilometres.The learning experiences enable them to develop an Ubun¬tu relationship to the natural world, environmental steward¬ship, cultivate responsibility and integrity, build trusting relationships with others and develop basic recreational outdoor skills.
The Principal of Waterford Kamhlaba, Jackie Otula, visited the students at their campsites on Thursday July 31 to encourage them about the programme. She gave them refreshments that included pancakes, chocolates and fruits.
At Shewula Mountain Camp, students were found collecting water and cleaning the home for a 78-year-old woman, Anna Sifundza. Sifundza expressed her happiness to host the students who were very helpful.
Principal Otula and Steven McGuire also took turns to grind maize into samp for the family.
Addressing the students before departure, Nyatsela Coor¬dinator Nonduduzo Gumede said the programme brought rangers, partners and paramedics to support students.
COMFORT
She told them that they would be without the comfort of their homes, warm beds and phones.
She assured them that it would be an unforgettable experience ‘and you get to come back and bring beautiful stories’.
She urged the students to support each other as they undertook the Nyatsela Programme.
“The person you are sharing a tent with is now family. So, look out for one another,” she said. The Nyatsela Programme is only undertaken by Form III student
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