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Sanctuary gets new conservation foreman

The former firefighter looks forward to his new role as a nature conservation foreman.

Marievale Bird Sanctuary has a new nature conservation foreman.

Former firefighter and crew leader of the Working on Fire programme (WOF), Katlego Molapo, has taken on the role at the Biodiversity Management Unit at the Nigel sanctuary, which is under the tutelage of the Gauteng Department of Agriculture and Rural Development.

Molapo joined the WOF in 2012 as a firefighter in Hammanskraal’s Dinokeng Game Reserve.

‘‘The WOF programme has trained and skilled me to be employable today. It is the skills and experience that helped me apply for this position. I have worked in four provincial game reserves for years. In that time, I managed a crew of 25 members,’’ said Molapo.

‘‘This appointment is vital for me and my family. I lead a dedicated army of colleagues in conserving biodiversity and the legions of birds. As the world celebrates Wetland Month, we will ensure the wetland at the sanctuary is preserved,’’ said Molapo further. He also emphasised that love for one’s work was part of his values.

According to Molapo, the new roles are similar to the ones of a crew leader. He vowed to do all his work to the best of his ability.

‘‘I am clued up about nature conservation. It is a perfect post for me. I would dearly miss the fire line. I feel I have succeeded because of the support of my crew members. Nature conservation is too close to my heart. I have done it since joining the WOF programme. I am grateful for the opportunity and belief for the trust instilled in me,’’ he said.

In 2023, Malapo was part of the historical deployment to fight bushfires in Canada.

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