Today, we celebrate our dear friend Marietta van der Werff, who has walked alongside the Global White Lion Protection Trust since the earliest of days. Through every season, she has remained a steadfast supporter, stepping into the position of General Manager when the project most needed support, a courageous pathfinder whose love for the Earth has always expressed itself through action rather than acclaim.

How fitting that Marietta and her dedicated Earth restoration project Avanos Seeds have been elected to the Zimbabwe National Excellence Hall of Fame for their innovation in seed, seed production and service to the country. This prestigious recognition, awarded in the Agriculture category, reflects something far greater than business success. It honours a lifelong commitment to nurturing life itself.

Marietta shared that she never sought recognition by making commercial noise or shouting the loudest. Instead, she envisioned that the farmers of Zimbabwe would the ones who recognised the value of Avanos Seeds. That this honour comes from the very people whose lives and livelihoods have been touched by her work makes it especially meaningful.

At the Trust, we often speak about true stewardship of Nature. It is not only about protecting wildlife or ancient ecosystems. It is about tending the living fabric of our planet with humility, wisdom and unwavering care. Whether safeguarding a pride of lions in their ancestral lands or preserving the integrity of an indigenous seed on its home soil, the same principle applies: we become guardians of life for generations to come.

Marietta, thank you for showing that quiet dedication leaves the deepest legacy. The 7th Law of LionHearted Leadership is to “Find your Pride”. We are incredibly proud to call you family and to have shared this courageous journey of “Following your own Pawprint” together with your LionHearted pride – from the pioneering beginnings.

From all of us at the Global White Lion Protection Trust, congratulations on this richly deserved honour. May the seeds you have sown, both literally and figuratively, continue to nourish the future of Africa for countless generations to come.

While you never boast, we can glow with reflected pride!

With love and mighty heartfelt ROARRRRRRRRRs of admiration and appreciation!

Linda Tucker and the LionHearted Team