Parys Wetland Avian Development and Emergency Rescue (Parys WADER) is starting the year with renewed momentum as it welcomes two new non-executive directors, Sampie van der Merwe and Ernest Mhlongo. Their appointments bring a blend of conservation expertise, community leadership, and strategic vision to a team working to protect one of the most sensitive parts of the Vredefort Dome.

Sampie van der Merwe’s career has long been shaped by the wide waters and open skies of the Barberspan Bird Sanctuary.

Many South African birders will remember him as the park manager and warden who devoted years to safeguarding this 2 000-hectare wetland between Delareyville and Sannieshof. Under his care, Barberspan strengthened its position as one of the country’s most important ornithological research sites.

Recognised as South Africa’s oldest Ramsar wetland and listed as an Important Bird Area, it continues to attract thousands of migratory birds each year.

Researchers from across the world often found Sampie ready to help. He supported several scientific partnerships, including a long-running migration study with the University of Cape Town and the University of Gdansk in Poland.

The project provided valuable insights into changing migration patterns and threats linked to climate change. His steady leadership and willingness to guide visitors, students, and scientists earned him respect far beyond the sanctuary’s boundaries.

Now retired, Sampie and his wife have settled in Parys, where they recently opened
a guest house.

His new role with Parys WADER gives the organisation access to decades of practical conservation knowledge at a time when wetland rescue, rehabilitation, and monitoring are becoming increasingly important.

Joining him on the board is Johannesburg based entrepreneur and community advocate, Ernest Mhlongo. His work since 2020 has centred on building partnerships that uplift communities, promote environmental awareness, and support longterm sustainability.

Ernest is the founder of several impactdriven ventures, including Solar Woman Renewables, eWellness, and the E-Center for Women’s Cancer & Maternal Health.

Each initiative reflects his commitment to advancing renewable energy, digital innovation, and health education across Africa. Ernest brings experience in strategic business development, fundraising, and stakeholder engagement—skills that will help strengthen Parys WADER’s efforts to widen its support base and deepen its community footprint.

His advocacy work in wellness, women’s health, and social empowerment has built strong networks across corporate, government, and non-profit sectors. This broad approach to collaboration aligns well with Parys WADER’s mission to protect wetlands and rescue injured birds through shared responsibility and public participation.

Together, Sampie and Ernest join a board dedicated to preserving the rich birdlife and fragile wetland ecosystems that shape the character of Parys.