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In every elephant herd, mothers lead the way. They teach, guide and protect, shaping the future of the herd with their loving strength. At HERD and Jabulani, we witness this kind of care every day, not only in the elephants but in the women around us too.
Motherhood shows up in many forms. It lives in the way women support their families, hold communities together and care for others with determination and love. It’s in the strength of a matriarch, a mentor, a mother or a friend. We see it in our team, in our local community and in the stories of the elephants we care for.
This Mother’s Day, we’re honouring that spirit through our Help an Elephant, Help a Mother campaign, supporting both the mothers in our herd and the women in our community.
How the JabuLadies Began
In 2021, Adine Roode started the JabuLadies initiative after seeing how many women in the Hoedspruit area were struggling to find work during the COVID-19 outbreak. Many had family responsibilities that made it difficult to take on full-time jobs, and opportunities were few and far between.
The JabuLadies project was created to offer something different; a way for women to earn an income, learn new skills and feel part of something meaningful. Training is done at our reserve, where the ladies get to experience the African bushveld, a place that’s often right on their doorstep but not easily accessible.
Over time, more and more women joined. They began crafting products by hand, from beautiful beadwork and embroidery, to handmade paper and eco-friendly soaps using dried elephant dung. Each item is made with care, creativity and a deep sense of purpose.
Some of the ladies have also taken part in our Land Restoration Project, helping to repair damaged areas in the reserve and replant the bana grass plantation which helps us feed the rescued herd. Others are learning skills that they can use to start their own small businesses in the future.
The Jabulani Team Joins In
The JabuLadies project has brought the team at Jabulani Safari even closer to the community. Many of the housekeeping ladies at the lodge have joined the JabuLadies, learning new craft skills and creating products. It’s become a space for connection; a way to share stories, learn from one another and grow together.
What the JabuLadies Have to Say
“Being part of this programme benefits us with more knowledge and skills. Our lives changed after being part of this programme because we know how to work using our hands, which will benefit our children tomorrow. We can do bookmarks and soaps at our village and get some extra cash to support my family.” – Patience
“It benefitted me on focus and concentration because knitting requires focused and attention, which can sharpen the mind and improve Concentration. There are mental and physical benefits.” – Khensani N.
“From the JabuLadies programme I did not only get skills, but it also brought me and my daughters closer. I got to learn how to use the sewing machine, to make the bracelets and the luggage tags. As I was taking some of my work home, I also got to teach my daughters, which brought us closer. I’m now able to sew some of the grooms’ uniforms when they need me to help them. It turned from skill to passion.” – Khensani Z.
“JabuLadies has helped change my life in a very big and different way that has amazed me. It has not been long since I started at JabuLadies, but already I can see the difference or rather the impact it has brought to me. Continuing with it would bring more and more change in my life, I believe.” – Marcia
“JabuLadies helped me to learn how to design and gain knowledge about design using my hands. It has changed my life. I learned so many things here, things that nobody will ever take away from me.” – Marongwa
“I learn more about making bracelets, bags, tags and bookmarks. JabuLadies helped me earn an extra income to help my family.” – Vernecia
“I am grateful to be part of such an exceptional team, the JabuLadies. Their contributions help make a real difference.” – Pretty
Help an Elephant, Help a Mother
In honour of Mothers Day, we’re inviting you to be part of the story. When you adopt one of our elephants in May, your contribution will help support new training opportunities for the JabuLadies. You’ll be helping mothers in our community build brighter futures while also caring for the elephants that bring us all together.
Foster before Friday 9 May to receive a personalised Mother’s Day certificate in time for Sunday. An elephant fostering is a lovely gift for a mother, grandmother or friend who inspires you.
A small action, a big difference
The JabuLadies are a beautiful example of what’s possible when women are given the chance to grow. It’s about so much more than crafting. It’s about confidence, independence, friendship and finding joy in new beginnings.
This Mother’s Day, we hope you’ll join us in celebrating all the matriarchs in the herd, in our homes and in our communities.
Help an elephant. Help a mother. And help us build a stronger, more compassionate future together.
This was so interesting to read and I recognise a few of those lovely, smiling faces from my visit to Jabulani in March. I can certainly relate to what these ladies have achieved and continue to achieve and I applaud their enthusiasm, commitment and ‘seizing the day’ attitude in joining the Jabu Ladies programmes. I so look forward to returning to the Lodge, in March next year, and hope to see those lovely smiles again! Well done, dear Jabu Ladies.