Over the past 24 months, the National Cleaner Production Centre (NCPC) has worked with a cohort of young engineering, environmental, and science graduates through the Resource Efficient and Cleaner Production (RECP) Internship Programme on behalf of the Department of Tourism.
Placed across 19 South African National Parks (SANParks) and South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) sites, these graduates gained hands-on experience in resource efficiency, while supporting sustainability efforts in the tourism sector.
As the programme draws to a close and the interns prepare to graduate on 31 July 2026, we are taking a moment to reflect on the journey behind the graduation.
Abide Ncube
Abide Ncube joined the RECP internship at Groenkloof with a passion for sustainability and a desire to make a real contribution. Two years later, that drive shows.
Throughout the programme, he played a key role in driving sustainability conversations within the organisation. From facilitating carbon and energy awareness sessions across the SANParks network to supporting climate change awareness engagements with more than 100 students, Ncube helped promote responsible resource use and environmental stewardship.
One of his proudest achievements was contributing to the RECP assessment of Mahlati Safari Lodge in Limpopo, where he assisted in identifying resource efficiency opportunities and sizing a localised solar PV system. He later presented these findings to government representatives, funders, municipal officials, and community stakeholders.
As he prepares to graduate, Ncube hopes to continue contributing to sustainability initiatives that create meaningful environmental and social impact.
Austin Mdibi
At Lower Sabie in the Kruger National Park, Austin Mdibi found himself turning sustainability principles into practical solutions. Mdibi worked on projects focused on waste management, energy efficiency, water management, and resource optimisation. His role involved analysing operational systems, collecting and interpreting environmental data, engaging with technical teams, and identifying opportunities to improve sustainability performance.
One of the defining moments of his internship was presenting findings and recommendations to stakeholders and management structures. This experience not only strengthened his confidence but also enhanced his ability to translate sustainability concepts into practical solutions that support both conservation and tourism objectives.
As he prepares to graduate, Mdibi looks forward to continuing his career in environmental sustainability and contributing to a more sustainable future for South Africa.
Mantsha Kgosana
For Mantsha Kgosana, the internship programme was an opportunity to turn data into meaningful action. Based within SANParks Technical Services in Cape Town and supporting Agulhas National Park, Mantsha worked on a range of sustainability initiatives focused on energy management, water conservation, climate change projects, and resource efficiency across multiple parks.
One of her most notable contributions was identifying the absence of a water infrastructure database and taking the initiative to develop one with the support of engineers and park staff. What began as a data collection exercise later became a valuable resource when SANParks was tasked with reducing water consumption, helping inform the development of a Water Management Plan.
She also played a key role in compiling energy and water consumption databases, developing park energy baselines, supporting the Utility Dashboard initiative, and co-facilitating training and awareness sessions for technical staff.
Kgomotso Kau
Sustainability is about people as much as the environment, and Kgomotso Kau’s work at Augrabies Falls National Park kept that front and centre. Her role involved conducting assessments, identifying resource efficiency opportunities, and supporting interventions aimed at reducing environmental impact while improving operational performance.
Throughout her internship, she contributed to several important projects, including staff awareness campaigns on water, energy, and waste conservation, waste management initiatives, carbon emissions data collection, and environmental education programmes in local schools. She also played a key role in supporting waste stream assessments and helping park staff improve waste monitoring and reporting practices.
Mafusi Mokoena
With a foundation already in place, Mafusi Mokoena used the Golden Gate placement to deepen her technical know-how and day-to-day problem-solving. Over the past 24 months, she has supported energy and water monitoring, data collection, reporting, inspections, and sustainability initiatives aimed at improving operational efficiency within the park. Her passion for hands-on work also saw her working closely with the technical team, gaining valuable experience in maintenance activities, infrastructure operations, and problem-solving in a real-world environment.
As we count down to the RECP internship graduation ceremony on 31 July, we celebrate every graduate who has completed this programme.
