Conservation ambassadors head to the US

It’s all systems go for the two junior conservation ambassadors heading to the United States of America on Monday. Linah Matseke (15) and Thabang Hedzane (17) are jetting off to the U.S and their excitement is just unfathomable.

The pair has won the trip, courtesy of the Mpumalanga Parks and Tourism Agency (MTPA), from their schools, respectively.

“This is our bid to educate, educate, and create awareness to the community on the interpretation of nature conservation and rhino poaching. We worked with 100 schools in the province and Grade 6 and 9s are our main target.

Fun runs and exhibitions are part of the whole spectacular as well,” said Ms Marinda Marais from MTPA.

Thabang says the most exciting thing about the trip for him is having to board a plane for the first time.

“I’m happy I have won this lifetime opportunity, I love athletics, and I am passionate about nature conservation. It is such an honor for me to represent the country on matters so close to my heart,” said Hedzane.

Linah Matseke also expressed her excitement about boarding the plane for the first time and how she can’t wait to eat American Tacos.

“I want to taste their food and just get to know more about the American culture. I will also be in a flight for the first, time that on its own is exciting.

Being part of this initiative is a dream come true. I have always been a sprinter, and it has started paying out, even better, it did so in an area I hold dear to my heart, nature conservation,” said Matseke.

The head of biodiversity conservation for MTPA, Abe Sibiya, wished the pair well and advised them on how they should be exemplary peers.
“This opportunity comes once in a lifetime, seize it, and make sure you use it to your fullest capacity.

We wish you well and we trust you will make us proud,’ said Sibiya.
This programme is said to be an annual initiative planned to take place twice in a year.

“We will be hosting two ambassadors from the USA in September, this is now an annual programme, we hope our communities will take this opportunity and educate themselves about nature conservation, especially rhino poaching, through our exhibitions,” concluded Marais.