Sala hantle Mohlamatsane
Mohlamatsane Mokhatla joined SANParks in February 2016 as a ‘social-ecological’ scientist, based in the Garden Route. He set off with great enthusiasm and dedication to better understand the relationship between people and nature, particularly with regards to the communities of Tsitsikamma and their interactions with the coastline. In the process, he played an invaluable role in facilitating more trusting relationships between various communities and SANParks, where these previously did not exist. At the same time, he continued to build on his MSc and PhD studies with research on amphibian responses to global environmental change, collaborating and publishing with experts from South Africa and abroad.
Outstanding features of Mohlamatsane include his excellent work ethic, ease with which he works in a team context, willingness to contribute to a greater cause (e.g., taking responsibility for mundane tasks, such as office health and safety), commitment to his family and deep humility. Mohlamatsane did not shy away from working long hours in the field, office, or over weekends. He is always passionate about science and determined to grow as a scientist. The latter was evident in his patient persistence with advancing a piece of scientific writing and the effort he made to gain experience in supervision. He certainly has a special affinity for helping and guiding students.
It came as no surprise when Mohlamatsane was headhunted by not one but two universities. He left SANParks at the end of June 2021. After lecturing for six months at Sol Plaatje University in Kimberley, Mohlamatsane and his family have now settled in Pretoria where he is a Lecturer at University of Pretoria’s Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences.
Mo, we sorely miss your gentle presence and wise comments during meetings. We miss your camaraderie and laughter during tea times and after-work runs. We miss you as a friend. May you continue to develop to your full potential as researcher, and now also as lecturer and supervisor, in your new academic environment. We look forward to welcoming you and your students back to the outdoor laboratories that our parks provide.
Photo: Nelsiwe Mpapane
This article was originally published in the 2021/2022 Research Report.
