Scientific Services

In January 2021, I received a phone call from SANParks to inform me that my application for the WWF Environmental Leader’s internship program was successful. I was excited to have landed an opportunity to work and get practical experience aligned with my academic background and career goals. I graduated with a Master of Science in Zoology, with research focused on the diversity and distribution of marine flora and fauna in protected and unprotected areas, which ignited my passion for conservation work in the marine environment.

I was placed at the Cape Research Centre in Cape Town. I, therefore, had to relocate from the Eastern Cape. The first month was overwhelming because I was adjusting to the new city and a new working environment. Having no confidence when starting a new job was also nail-biting. Fortunately, being around amazing and supportive colleagues made it easy for me to adapt quickly to the workspace.

Baited-remote underwater video field trip. Back Left to Right: Ian Mthethwa, Alison Kock, Joseph Nombewu and Stanley Slingers. Front Left to Right: Yonela Mahamba, Sisanda Mayekiso. August 2022 (photo taken by Luyanda Mjiyakho)

My internship journey started in April 2021, during the hard lockdown of the Covid-19 pandemic, when the working environment was mostly virtual. Lockdown restrictions made it uncertain whether I could get exposure to all aspects of practical fieldwork, which was one of the vital experiences I desired to receive from my internship. However, I was fortunate enough to get the opportunity to do all the practical fieldwork as anticipated.

My mentor and I (far right) with DFFE colleagues (William Sonneberg, Jamie Ceasar, Ndiviwe Baliwe, Kanakana Mushanganyisi, Rendani Malwela, Louise Geldenhuys and Rushdi Ariefdin) during the Namaqua rocky shore monitoring in Namaqua National Park, September 2021 (photo taken by self timer).

I joined my first Marine Protected Areas (MPA) monitoring field trip with the SANParks marine team and colleagues from the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) to Namaqua National in September 2021.

Sisanda Mayekiso and I with DFFE colleagues during rocky shore monitoring in Namaqua National Park, September 2021 (photo taken by Louise Geldenhuys).

I was also involved in various fish and shark surveys conducted in several MPAs, including West Coast National Park, Table Mountain National Park, and Robben Island using BRUV (Baited Remote Underwater Video) surveys. These surveys stood out to me because they were a completely new experience, as I have never conducted any surveys of this kind before.

On the way to conduct Robben Island BRUV surveys, February 2022 (photo taken by Sisanda Mayekiso).

Reflecting on this internship journey as a whole has informed me what career path I want to pursue, which is why I chose this placement in the first place. I have also been very fortunate to have my internship extended by SANParks, allowing me to expand my professional growth and experience in the corporate world. At the end of this internship, I would love to get a job in the marine and conservation field and eventually pursue my PhD in a similar field.

Thus far, I have attained invaluable skills and experiences with considerable personal and professional growth. I am thankful to Dr. Alison Kock for her excellent mentorship and for exposing me to countless learning opportunities and professional networks. The support I received from my colleagues is highly appreciated.

Alison Kock (left) and I (right) attending the SBWQFT (Saldanha Bay Water Quality Forum Trust) Open Day, October 2021 (photo taken by Sisanda Mayekiso)