MTPA bursary holders absorbed as full-time employees
The Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency (MTPA) said it was pleased to absorb five young students who had been offered bursaries to study conservation management.
The students from a previously disadvantaged background were awarded bursaries by the MTPA to pursue their studies in the 2016 and 2019 academic years in the field of scientific services.
The students completed a BSc in environmental services and a national diploma in nature conservation. After completion of their studies, the students were offered an opportunity to conduct their workplace integrated learning programme within the MTPA.
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This afforded the students the opportunity to gain workplace experience in their field of study for a year.
Along with these individuals, the MTPA has also absorbed three more students who were studying to be pilots.
They have obtained their private pilot licences and will be based within the game management unit of the biodiversity conservation programme where they will work with other staff members in operating light aircraft that will be used in the fight against rhino poaching.
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“We are excited to absorb these students. We are confident that their permanent appointment in these units will address the issues of transformation and gender equality.
“In order to allow the students to get first-hand experience while working with other scientists within the MTPA, the two students with BSc environmental services will be based at the Lydenburg Research Centre,” said Johannes Nobunga, CEO of MTPA.
“The two with a national diploma in nature conservation will be based at the Nooitgedacht Dam Nature Reserve and one at the MTPA’s head office in Mataffin.
“With the current shortage of pilots and scientists within the MTPA, we are excited that these young students will close the existing gaps and further enhance their skills within the sector.
“The MTPA’s mandate is to ensure that a high level of scientifically based conservation and biodiversity management support is provided,” added Nobunga.
