Youth to benefit in internship initiative

SOME of the Eastern Cape’s unemployed youth recently received a much needed boost when they were offered internships at various environmental and biodiversity organisations across the province.

The internships are part of a partnership between the South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) and 32 environmental/ biodiversity organisations across the country to create jobs.

The programme, Groen Sebenza, aims to develop skills in the biodiversity sector and create sustainable job opportunities for 800 unemployed graduates and matriculants in South Africa.

One of SANBI’s partners is the Eastern Cape Parks and Tourism Agency (ECPTA). ECPTA has appointed five youths in the province for two and a half years.

The interns who have been placed at various institutions by the ECPTA are Khanyiso Ngwabeni as a professional hunter, Sibablwe Buwa as a hospitality clerk, Lisa Ndayi as a tourism developer, Mafungwashe Mbutho as a hospitality clerk and Nozipho Qwabe as a game capturer.

Ngwabeni works for a game reserve in Queenstown. “This will help me gain experience,” he said.

Buwa, who works as a hospitality clerk in Patensie said the opportunity would help him further his studies.

ECPTA chief executive officer Luxolo Rubushe said their vision was of a province where biodiversity, conservation and tourism management underpinned sustainable development.

“Through involvement in this programme, we wish to equip young South Africans with the skills and practical experience that will enable them to participate fully in the achievement of this mandate and contribute to the economy of the province,” said Rubushe.

More placements organised by other organisations are expected to take place by the end of this month. —