“Its always great to be out in nature with good friends and colleagues. It was great to learn new skills and being a part of something that will make a difference in conservation- this week really reignited my passion for conservation”
– Braden Ingram, Groen Sebenza Intern
In just one week, interns from Nature Connect embarked on a transformative journey that saw them acquire three new skills, build lasting friendships, and create a fantastic team, all while overcoming personal fears and making a meaningful impact on the environment. The two groups of interns, the Cathsseta Interns and the recently joined Groen Sebenza Interns, successfully completed brush cutter operator, chainsaw operator, and venomous snake handling training under the expert tutelage of the Green Skills Training and Development team.
The interns’ first mission was to restore the overgrown and magical Glencairn Labyrinth in Cape Town. Supervised by training officer Petro Botha, they began the cutback process and removed invasive plant species. The Glencairn Labyrinth, a beautifully sculpted garden, is a 2.9 km right-handed Classical 11 Circuit Labyrinth created by Koos Burger. Koos dedicated himself to the labyrinth, clearing the area of invasive plants, planting over 600 plants of 45 different species, and registering it with the World Labyrinth Society. Sadly, Koos passed away from COVID-19 in 2021, but his wife, Antoinette Burger, invited Nature Connect to help maintain the labyrinth.
The revitalised Glencairn Labyrinth now awaits visitors, including schoolchildren, who can enjoy its serene beauty while encountering local wildlife like tortoises and frogs. The interns’ experiences were overwhelmingly positive, with Groen Sebenza Intern Senamile Mvuyana expressing gratitude for the practical courses and newfound skills that enhance her resume. Cathsseta Intern Lusanda Macebe, initially skeptical about the training, found that it changed her perspective on ideas, nature, and life in general.
The Nature Connect interns’ week of learning and growth demonstrates the power of green skills training and collaboration in making a real difference. Their hard work and dedication have breathed new life into the Glencairn Labyrinth, ensuring that future generations can enjoy its beauty and tranquility.
