The Eastern Cape Parks and Tourism Agency (ECPTA) has placed over 50 interns across various fields, including tourism and conservation, to foster skills development in the region. Funded by the Sector Education and Training Authority (SETA), this initiative aims to equip young professionals with the experience necessary to contribute to the sustainable growth of the Eastern Cape.
ECPTA Human Resource Manager, Thandiswa Gadu, said these are conservation and tourism graduates from different universities and TVET colleges students who are doing their 18-month practicals for them to graduate.
“As the entity we pride ourselves that we are able to give back to our communities in terms of creating opportunities. Through these placements, the Agency is not only providing valuable work experience but also ensuring that the province’s rich heritage is in the safe hands of the future generation, said Gadu.”
One of the beneficiaries, Qetello Lephoto, placed at the Head Office under tourism, expressed his excitement, “I am grateful for the opportunity; I am hoping to learn and gain as much exposure as possible so that I can graduate for my diploma come next year.”
Another intern, Yanalisa Phanya, an Ecologist graduate of Tsolwana Nature Reserve, said that finally working and gaining in conservation is a dream come true because she has been applying without luck. “I hope to learn more about conversation, the Agency and its programmes.”
