The Agency believes that investing in its people is just as important as conserving our natural heritage. Through its bursary programme, ECPTA has supported employees in furthering their studies, equipping them with knowledge and skills that strengthen both their personal growth and professional contribution. In this edition, we highlight colleagues who have benefitted from this initiative and are now making a meaningful impact across the organisation. Their journeys are a testament to the Agency’s commitment to nurturing talent and building pride in our workforce.
Spotlight: Xolelwa Kene – IMCT Technician
With an impressive 15 years of service at ECPTA, Xolelwa Kene stands as a shining example of how continued learning can transform both career and personal growth. Over the years, she has been awarded the ECPTA bursary on three occasions, a testament to her dedication and the Agency’s commitment to her development.
Through this support, Xolelwa pursued a BSc in Informatics at UNISA, with her most recent bursary awarded in 2020. Achieving a higher NQF level qualification marked a significant milestone in her academic journey, giving her the confidence and credentials to explore new opportunities within ECPTA and beyond.
Reflecting on her journey, Xolelwa acknowledges that career growth has not been without its challenges. Yet, what she values most is the stability ECPTA provides, that allows her to support her family while contributing to the Agency’s broader goals.
One of the greatest lessons she has learned is the importance of timing. Her advice to colleagues and future bursary recipients is clear and heartfelt.
“Keep learning, remain disciplined, and work hard, continuous growth will always open new doors,” said Kene.
Another inspiring story is that of Babalwa Gloria Sotha, who was appointed Reserve Manager of Mpofu–Fort Fordyce in June 2024 after a remarkable 25-year journey within ECPTA. Starting as a tourism student information officer in 1999, Sotha steadily advanced through roles such as receptionist, administrative clerk, field ranger, senior field ranger, and section ranger. A turning point came in 2009, when she received the ECPTA bursary to pursue a Diploma in Nature Conservation at UNISA.
For Sotha, the bursary did not only ease the financial pressure of tuition and study materials but also gave her the motivation to persist as both a working mother and a conservation student. “The bursary motivated me to keep pushing, knowing that my effort was supported and recognized,” she reflects. Today, she describes working at ECPTA as both rewarding and inspiring, with the opportunity to protect biodiversity, manage natural resources, and work with communities to promote sustainability.
What stands out in her journey is the wisdom she has absorbed from older generations of conservationists: “Their traditional and indigenous methods of conserving natural resources have sharpened my knowledge and skills. Ungabadeleli ofike kudala bephangelapha funxa ulwazi kubo ulugcine njengomphako wendlela , you will become a better person tomorrow,” said Sotha.
Both Kene and Sotha’s experiences show how ECPTA’s bursary programme does more than fund studies, it fuels ambition, strengthens capacity, and prepares employees for bigger responsibilities. Their stories reflect resilience, discipline, and a shared commitment to conservation, reminding us that when people grow, the organisation grows too.
