Are you curious about how technology and real world problems intertwine?
freshwater
-
In 2022, illegal mining at one of Thungela’s former sites led to a devastating acid mine spill, contaminating our local freshwater systems. Now, the Loskop Fish Breeding Facility is at the forefront of restoring these vital ecosystems. More than just recovery, it’s a chance to empower our youth to become the next generation of
stewards.
Impact and why it matters
- The spill released highly acidic water and heavy metals into the river system, affecting dozens of kilometers of freshwater.
- Fish populations plummeted, with entire species wiped out in some areas due to toxic water conditions.
- Local communities relying on the river for water, agriculture, and fishing faced serious health and economic consequences.
WHAT IF THINGS COULD BE
different
Imagine a future where our freshwater ecosystems thrive, where youth lead the way in conservation, and where technology helps restore what was lost.
At the Loskop Fish Breeding Facility, we’re not just repairing the damage—we’re creating a new way forward. By combining cutting-edge technology, hands-on education, and community-driven solutions, we’re empowering young people to become the next generation of freshwater guardians
if this resonates with you, you’re not alone.
Hi! This story introduces the reader to Fenna and Wytze who have come from the Netherlands to learn about the water difficulties in Mpumalanga, South Africa. They learn about Thungela—a mining company that is trying to remedy a spill and just the overall pollution that has occurred in the Olifant and Wilge water systems at Loskop Dam.
The orange words and pictures provide further links for the reader to help them explore the many topics such as — wetlands, longfin eel, pollutants and biodiversity.
Meet the creators behind the vision
We are Rotarians and passionate creators of community-driven solutions in education. Our work is rooted in the belief that learning should be engaging, accessible, and transformative—especially when it comes to critical issues like water conservation and environmental restoration.
Xaviera has been an educator, curriculum developer, and game designer for nearly twenty years. While game design is a newer venture, her deep experience in education drives our mission to create meaningful, interactive learning experiences.
Lunga is a storyteller, photographer, and entrepreneur with a sharp eye for business and social impact. Having dyslexia himself, he is passionate about making sure kids don’t face the same challenges he did in school. His perspective ensures that the experiences we create are inclusive, visually engaging, and accessible to all learners.
Together, we design and build collaborative, interactive, and story-driven solutions that bring communities together to learn, engage, and take action.
THIS IS WHY WE ARE SO EXCITED TO INTRODUCE…
Step inside the Loskop Fish Breeding Facility—a place where science, conservation, and education come together to restore freshwater ecosystems.
This interactive experience was carefully designed with young minds in mind, helping them explore the world of aquatic life, environmental restoration, and the role of technology in conservation.
Through real-world research, hands-on learning, and immersive storytelling, we aim to inspire the next generation of water stewards— empowering them to protect and restore our rivers for the future.
🔗 Watch the video to see how we’re bringing conservation to life!
HERE IS HOW YOU CAN ENGAGE
one
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE FISH IN THE UPPER ZAMBEZI CATCHMENT
The Zambezi! What’s Easy? poster is a vibrant visual celebration of fish species found across the Upper Zambezi River system.
It features key species like the Longfin Eel (Near Threatened), Bulldog, Papermouth, and several barbs — including Redeye, Leaden, Orangefin, and Sidespot — most of which are listed as Least Concern.
These species were chosen because they share similar distribution maps, making the poster a useful tool for understanding the river as a connected ecosystem.
With clear illustrations and bold design, the poster invites viewers to recognize, appreciate, and start conversations about freshwater biodiversity in a regional context.
It’s ideal for classrooms, nature centers, and conservation outreach — helping people see what’s swimming just beneath the surface of southern Africa’s rivers.
ONLY: $10
two
EXPLORE THE OTHER FISH
THAT CALL THE LOSKOP FISH BREEDING FACILITY HOME
The Loskop Fish Breeding Facility poster series is a visual education project designed to raise awareness about freshwater biodiversity and conservation in southern Africa.
Each of the three posters brings a different ecological or cultural focus:
- Zambezi! What’s Easy? introduces species with broad distributions across the Upper Zambezi catchment, highlighting the regional interconnectedness of fish habitats.
- Local is Lekker! turns the lens to the Wilge River System, showcasing fish species found locally around the Loskop Dam area and celebrating the value of local biodiversity.
- Uyapapa, a lively Zulu term meaning “crazy,” features species grouped by distinctive or aggressive behaviors — from protective mouthbrooders to unexpected mosquito-eaters.
Together, these posters form a cohesive series that blends science communication, regional knowledge, and visual storytelling. They are designed to be displayed at the Loskop Fish Breeding Facility, in schools, and in community settings — encouraging a deeper connection to rivers, native species, and the actions we can take to protect them.
ONLY: $77
kind words from clients
“It’s absolutely amazing and refreshing to see our history from our perspective.”
“We’ve spent a month exploring the Kalahari Desert and meerkats. In addition to the letters and books, we also watched the Meerkat Manor series. I’m not sure how this was received in South Africa, but my son has really enjoyed seeing so much of the Kalahari. He thinks it’s beautiful!”
“It’s [Ndebele] my favorite so far. I LOVE the culture and the art!”
Copyright © 2025 Peniel Learning