It always seems impossible until it’s done!
Avhavhudzani Phophe (affectionately known as Vhudzi) joined SANParks in 2013, as an Interpretative officer at Mapungubwe National Park. Whilst working at Mapungubwe National Park, she took a group of researchers on a museum tour. She grabbed an opportunity to share her interest and her dream of becoming a researcher with a SANParks biotechnician, Steven Khoza, who encouraged her to apply for a Junior Scientist position. “I always wanted to work in a conservation estate, specifically working as a researcher. My journey as a researcher started when I joined Scientific Services: it was a dream come true”, says Vhudzi. She graduated with her MSc from the University of the Western Cape in September 2021. Her studies focused on understanding the influence of pristine and previously cultivated Vachellia karroo (sweet thorn) plots on carbon storage in Tankwa Karoo National Park.
This article was written by Avhavhudzani Phophe and originally published in the 2021/2022 Research Report.