Lindy Sutherland: Director Kariega Foundation

Lindy Sutherland was born in Port Elizabeth in South Africa’s Eastern Cape. The youngest of five, Lindy grew up surrounded by nature, cementing her love of wildlife and the outdoor world. Lindy went to high school in Grahamstown where she excelled in sport and began to build on her leadership and people skills. She studied Economics and Industrial Psychology at Stellenbosch University in Cape Town.

Lindy enjoyed a successful career in Advertising and Retail before moving abroad shortly after the birth of her first child. She and her family lived for four years on a remote island in Newfoundland and later Prince Edward Island, Canada. Despite her natural optimism, Lindy found the isolation of the small community difficult to adapt to, and had to dig deep to develop the inner resources needed to cope. Life with three young children was busy and challenging and Lindy used this time to develop a new career.

On her return to South Africa, she published a book, ‘Motherhood and Me’ which explores the path to personal rediscovery during/post motherhood. She also ran workshops and from this grew a new career running a company that develops, publishes and assists in the implementation of Social Emotional Learning (SEL) programmes for children aged 6-14. Established in 2009 by Lindy, ‘Cool to be Me’ is a successful business working with children and adults throughout South Africa, including many under-privileged areas.

Lindy Sutherland took over directorship of The Kariega Foundation in 2017 out of a desire to contribute to the sustainable conservation of wildlife and the upliftment of local communities. Kariega Game Reserve is surrounded by impoverished African communities, but Lindy and the Reserve are changing all that. Lindy’s commitment is a positive example of what can be achieved.