The Birdman of Soweto

If Traditional Values. Innovative Ideas. is who we are, then Solutionist Thinking is how we deliver. Our passion for possibility unlocks our Solutionist Thinking.

RMB recognises the value of environmental education, and preserving and restoring natural ecosystems, towards a green economy. We support specific organisations to unlock social transformation and improved environmental practice through partnership.

BirdLife South Africa is a programme partner of the RMB Environment Programme and this is one of our stories.

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Transcript

[00:00:12] A pair of binoculars, a hat, a winding journey through the maze of Soweto streets and a man on a mission to spy on South Africa's most colorful wildlife.

[00:00:25] This is the birdman in Soweto.

[00:00:30] To me birds represent life. Wherever birds are it's an indicator of the healthiness of the environment.

[00:00:39] Raymond is a champion of our feathered friends now, but he wasn't always on the right side of nature conservation.

[00:00:46] He was actually shooting birds as a child.

[00:00:48] Despite his past, a global organization took Raymond under its local wing.

[00:00:53] Birdlife South Africa realize the value in working with local communities to identify community bird guides. So Raymond was recognized by the Witwatersrand Bird Club having this very very special ability of identifying birds.

[00:01:06] Raymond was put through intense training.

[00:01:09] The competition is quite stiff.

[00:01:10] But he quickly racked up an impressive score, spotting birds instead of shooting them.

[00:01:15] After my training I had a life list of a hundred birds. My life now is five hundred and seventy five.

[00:01:23] Now he's been deployed teaching new recruits preparing them for the same mission to protect Soweto's environment.

[00:01:31] The project with kids is close to my heart.

[00:01:47] Raymond Rampolokeng making birding his mission of possibility.

[00:01:54] RMB, unlocking social transformation and improving environmental practice through partnership.