Campus and Facilities
Our campus is uniquely situated on a 24ha farm right on the banks of the Orange River at Uizip, ± 25km upstream from Upington in South Africa’s Northern Cape Region. This region, also known as the Kalahari, is classified as semi desert and has its own pristine natural beauty. The vast array of biological diversity this unique location offers, as well as other outside factors like how farming, mining and other technological developments in the area affect the environment, make this one of the world’s finest living laboratories in which to study conservation and the effects of climate change.
Once known as the Uizip Outdoor Education Centre, hosting outdoor education seminars for Church and Youth Groups, it now plays host to our beautiful Campus and Office Buildings. When you enter through our gates, a true oasis with lush green gardens and lots of open space greet the eye, truly making it one of the most beautiful campuses in the country. Accommodation is offered in comfortable, fully furnished, air-conditioned student dormitories.
All meals, seven days a week, are supplied throughout the year. Balanced and nutritious, all meals are freshly prepared daily by our dedicated and well trained kitchen staff. Special dietary requirements can be arranged, and filtered drinking water is provided.
We have a fully equipped Laboratory, and recreational facilities on site include a Gym, Library and Games Room. WiFi and DSTV are available
Our beautiful swimming pool is the perfect accompaniment for those hot summer days, and evenings can be spent socializing and gazing at the stars in the expansive night sky from the outdoor Braai area.
We boast all the luxuries and comforts of a true home away from home.
Meet our Team

FEF LE ROUX
CHAIRMAN (DIRECTOR)

GYS BOTHA
CEO (DIRECTOR)

LEOPOLDT VAN HUYSSTEEN
HEAD OF THE ACADEMY (DIRECTOR)

DAVE PEPLER
LECTURER & AMBASSADOR

DR MATTHYS STRYDOM
HEAD ACADEMIC PROGRAM

KOOS THERON
HEAD OF AEL CAMPUS

ANNELIE MANS
ADMIN AND ACCOUNTING OFFICER

ALIE BRAND
PERSONAL MASTERY
Fun & Adventure
Media

Partnering with world-class universities and research
Public Private Partnerships are important for an institution to remain relevant. Therefore, AEL is collaborating with world-class universities such as Stellenbosch University Water Institute and Maastricht School of Management in the Netherlands. We are an implementing partner with them on a project on Water Smart and Climate Wise Farm Management; this project is building capacity …
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Community Projects
In order to create a better world, systemic sustainability is of the essence; that means actions are needed which has to do with the natural environment, the economy and social aspects. Therefore, the AEL is an active partner on school food gardens in order to assist with the expensive school feeding programme. Schools are spaces …

History
Welcome to the Academy for Environmental Leadership, situated in the heart of Southern Africa, where the Kalahari meets the Orange River. The idea of The Academy for Environmental Leadership was first conceived by Adv J.A. (Fef) le Roux SC., former Director and Chairperson of Curro Holdings Limited. The idea came about as a result of …
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Download AEL’s 2021 Prospectus