Introducing our future nature champions in training! Nature Connect and the Culture, Arts, Tourism, Hospitality, Sports, Sector Education and Training Authority (CATHSSETA) have a long-standing partnership in funding various groups to study different aspects of nature conservation. We oversee three groups at Nature Connect: Graduate Interns, Unemployed, and Employed learners. In this series, we will spotlight one learner from each group. Meet Nomfundo Penxe (unemployed learner), Jason Filander (employed learner), and Megan Eddy (graduate intern).

We interviewed one candidate from each program to hear about their experience at Nature Connect.

Nomfundo Penxe, a learnership student at Kenilworth racecourse conservation area, shares, “I am really enjoying the training, and it is overwhelmingly positive. Through Nature Connect, I received different types of training, including snake handling, chainsaw and brush cutter operation, and conservation of flora and fauna. With my newfound skills, I am now able to educate others about nature.”

Jason Filander, a Field Ranger Corporal currently stationed at Bontebok National Park, remarks, “Nature Connect provides practical knowledge to implement the theory I learned in Bontebok National Park, and I am thoroughly enjoying the training.”

Megan Eddy, based at Table Mountain National Park in Tokai, adds, “This experience has allowed me to connect with a wide range of conservationists within Cape Town and gain a better understanding of the social impact in urban conservation. Whether it has been species identification, rehabilitation after alien removal, facing poaching, learning how to operate a brush-cutter, interacting with visitors, or assisting volunteers or scientists, this experience has been invaluable.”