“Pride is not about being better than anyone else — it’s about being unapologetically yourself and recognising how far you’ve come.”
This quote perfectly sums up what the past week has meant to us at WISE – Women in Safari Excellence, as we proudly represented our NPC at the FGASA Safari Guide of the Year 2025, hosted at the breathtaking Kariega Game Reserve in the Eastern Cape.
It’s been a week filled with passion, professionalism, and pride — and WISE was honoured to be a part of it all.
Celebrating Our WISE Finalist: Megan Heramb-Smith
We’re thrilled to celebrate the achievements of one of our very own WISE women, Megan Heramb-Smith, whose performance throughout the competition was nothing short of phenomenal. Megan walked away with:
- Top prize in the Guided Bushwalk category
- Top prize in the Birding category
- Runner-up in Advanced Rifle Handling
Megan, your dedication, knowledge, and leadership were a joy to witness. You’ve made the WISE family incredibly proud!
Celebrating a Legacy of Women in Guiding
It’s also a moment to reflect on the ongoing legacy WISE is building in this space. In 2023, Kimberlee Le Haine, another proud WISE member, took home the Safari Guide of the Year title. Kimberlee’s journey and dedication continue to inspire guides across the country, and her achievement remains a beacon for women entering or already thriving in the field.
Together, Kimberlee and Megan remind us that when women are seen, supported, and given space to lead — they soar.
Sponsoring the Runner-Up Prize
WISE was honoured to sponsor the official Runner-Up prize for this year’s competition — a contribution of R20,000 in support of growth, recognition, and future opportunities for our guides.
A huge congratulations to the overall Runner-Up for SGOTY 2025, Moatlhodi Kalie Otimile from Tswalu Kalahari Reserve! Your calm strength, attention to detail, and excellence in the field were deeply inspiring. We’re excited to see where your journey leads next.
along with a cheque from WISE.
A Word from WISE
As shared in our speech this week:
WISE is more than just a name — it’s a movement. A platform built to support, connect, and uplift women across the conservation, hospitality, and guiding industries. Through initiatives like WISE Connect, mentorship, and on-the-ground community involvement, we’re helping women lead with confidence, purpose, and pride.
We were especially proud to see this year’s competition take place in the Eastern Cape — a region filled with culture, biodiversity, and heart—a fitting place to celebrate the best of the best.
Gratitude to the Team Behind the Magic
Events like SGOTY don’t happen without an incredible team behind the scenes. Our heartfelt thanks go to:
- Jody Cole, our fearless Chairlady, for leading with vision and fire.
- Michelle du Plessis, our brilliant Vice Chairlady, for your unwavering commitment and strength.
- Marilda Wiegand and Louise Pavid, fellow WISE Board Members, for your dedication and passion — it’s a joy to work alongside you.
- Mike Karantonis, the quiet force and brain behind SGOTY — thank you for your calm, collected presence and the inspirational energy you bring to this industry year after year.
- The entire FGASA team, judges, Kariega staff, and everyone who played a part in making this event exceptional.
To All the Contestants
To every guide who stood up and gave it your all — we see you, we celebrate you, and we’re cheering for you. You are all incredible ambassadors for guiding in South Africa, and you should be immensely proud.
This platform is more than a competition — it’s a declaration:
We see you. We thank you. We support you.
Onwards and Upwards, always.
Candice Pretorius
Secretary, Women in Safari Excellence (WISE)
Images Armadillo Media & Candice Pretorius
