Interns in the NCPC and Department of Tourism internship programme are making a positive impact in their host sites, only six months since being placed there. The 22 young graduates are undergoing resource efficient and cleaner production (RECP) expert level training as part of the 24-month programme, which includes activity identifying and implementing opportunities for improvements.
The interns have been placed at SANParks and SANBI facilities around the country. Host sites include the National Zoological Gardens, various botanical gardens, a number of rest camps in the Kriger National Park, Table Mountain, Golden Gate and Tsitsikama National Park, as well as Addo Elephant Park.
The Department of Tourism RECP internship programme is aimed at providing engineering, environmental and science graduates an opportunity to gain practical green skills and workplace experience, whilst assisting national tourism sites to improve water, energy and waste management.
To date, the programme saw 25 graduates undergo initial training at the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research before being placed at 19 SANBI and SANParks sites across the country, where they are actively supporting sustainability initiatives.
Despite 3 interns exit the internship programme, 22 interns continue to receive expert-level training in RECP, achieving impressive results.
Their impact on-site is already evident. Draft energy assessment reports submitted by interns show significant potential for cost and energy savings. Tariff analyses conducted at various host sites revealed opportunities for reducing energy costs, with several facilities found to be paying above-optimal rates. In cases where utility bill data was inconsistent or unavailable, the NCPC-SA arranged for temporary electricity meters to be installed, enabling accurate monitoring and analysis.
Some of the interns are also being recognised for their contributions.
Kgomotso Kau, stationed at the Augrabies Falls National Park, was recently featured in the park’s internal newsletter for her presentation highlighting key findings on water and electricity usage.
Another intern, Abide Ncube, has been invited to speak at the South African National Parks’ 2025 Brown Bag discussion, where he will present on “Carbon Neutral Emissions for Electricity in Protected Areas,” based on a case study conducted at SANParks’ head office.
NCPC Skills Development Manager, Wynand van der Merwe is upbeat about the outcomes of the programme. “Our interns are not only gaining valuable technical skills but are also making a real difference in their host sites. We are encouraged by the enthusiasm shown and impressed by the quality of RECP work coming from these young professionals.”
The interns will remain at the sites until July 2026, by which time the NCPC and funder, the Department of Tourism, hopes to see a significant impact made in all the parks and gardens; as well as the skills and lives of the 22 interns.
