What story will your life tell long after you are gone? Wills Week, from 15-19 September 2025, is an opportunity to answer that question. A will serves as the final chapter in that story, ensuring your legacy continues as you intended. Beyond offering peace of mind, it can reflect the values that guided your life and create lasting change in the causes closest to your heart.
“For many South Africans, that means protecting the natural world that sustains us all,” says Michelle Govender, WWF South Africa‘s Head of Individual Fundraising.
Picture the places that have shaped you: The mountain trail that took your breath away. The beach where you watched the sunrise paint the sky. The river where you found peace in nature’s rhythm. Now imagine future generations standing in those same places, breathing clean air, marvelling at wildlife you once witnessed, creating their own precious memories.
“This is the power of a conservation bequest,” explains Govender. “But the impact extends far beyond those moments. Every protected river is fresh water for the generations to come. Every saved species is a wonder preserved for those yet to discover it.”
From a Final Wish to a Flourishing Future
Consider the Leslie Hill Succulent Karoo Trust, established in 1995 by the late Mr. Leslie Hill, who named WWF South Africa as its sole beneficiary. Upon his passing, he entrusted the residue of his substantial estate to the Trust.
Today, the Trust safeguards more than 290 000 hectares of the world’s most biodiverse semi-arid region. In doing so, it not only protects rare succulents but also ensures that future generations of botanists and nature lovers can continue to discover these botanical treasures in places like Namaqua National Park, just as you might have.
Your Legacy, Your Choice
Making a conservation bequest is deeply personal and simple. Some people choose to leave a percentage of their estate, others a specific amount, and many gift what remains once their loved ones are provided for. It is entirely flexible, and you can adjust your will at any time as your circumstances change.
“Every will tells a story about the world we want to leave behind. By including a conservation bequest, you’re ensuring that story includes clean rivers, wild spaces, and thriving ecosystems that will sustain communities for generations to come,” concludes Govender.
Go to https://donate.wwf.org.za/donations/leave-a-legacy for more information.
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