Steadfast Africa charity auction: hearts opened wide in support of GWF and the Kolisi Foundation

By Nick Sadleir, Steadfast Africa

The 2024 edition of the Steadfast Africa charity auction drew an even larger crowd than last year and had people opening their hearts and wallets to support two of South Africa’s community-centred organisations: the Kolisi Foundation and Good Work Foundation (GWF).

Held on 4 July 2024 at the Royal Geographical Society in London, the charity auction had an impressive turnout, with nearly 300 people joining us in raising funds for the inspiring work these two organisations are doing in their home country. It was a fun evening of fundraising, networking and inspiration. 

This year's event was strategically timed just a day after the tourism trade show Experience Africa, which meant that many prominent figures from the luxury safari and travel industry were already in London. We were proud to host owners, heads of marketing, sales representatives and numerous other influential personalities from top safari lodges and travel companies across Africa. Our charity auction raised more than R1.2-million, which will be split between the Kolisi Foundation and GWF.

We had a fantastic mix of UK friends with a link to Africa, as well as Steadfast Africa clients and generous donors such as Londolozi, Singita, Belmond, Cottar’s, Mala Mala, Matetsi, African Bush Camps and more. Our guests enjoyed a relaxed, stand-around event with flowing wine, delicious canapés and engaging conversations.

Having many representatives from award-winning safari companies and notable entrepreneurs like Beks Ndlovu, owner of African Bush Camps, added that magic touch. Beks delivered a memorable speech encouraging people to not only travel to Africa for holiday, but to visit the Motherland with a purpose – to support local communities and conservation efforts so that future generations can continue to experience the continent's beauty long after we are no longer here.

This year’s auction featured a silent auction, an online raffle and a short live auction. We also had the pleasure of launching our version of Tanith Hobson's Africa’s Best coffee-table book. We extend our thanks to Tanith for sharing this incredible book with us, and for her support of GWF and the Kolisi Foundation. For those who couldn’t be there, you can still get a copy and contribute to our two beneficiaries by sending an email to rogan@steadfast.africa.

As Steadfast Africa, we would like to thank everyone who supported the charity auction whether through attendance, donations or spreading the word. The highlight of this event was not only the funds raised but also the awareness generated around the work done by GWF and the Kolisi Foundation. It was gratifying to see so many people inspired to learn more about them and get involved. We look forward to continuing our efforts and making an even greater impact in the future.

We also look forward to welcoming more people to Africa, and hope that they will travel with a purpose while doing so.

If you’d like to make a donation to Good Work Foundation, please visit the website.