Five young professionals from Pretoria are among the new generation helping to shape South Africa's environmental future, having completed a year-long internship. worldwide fund for nature (WWF South Africa) Environmental Leader Graduate Internship Program.
Coming from diverse educational backgrounds, they represent a growing group of skilled graduates entering the green economy at a time when the country faces increasing environmental challenges.
Pretoria-based participants in the latest group include Caroline Makofane and Ruth Senokoane, both geneticists South African National Biodiversity InstituteWith plant taxonomist Lebogang Mokwatsi, who is also based at SANBI.
They are joined by Mbali Gumede, an environmental lawyer who works with South African National Parks, and Prudence Khomo, a GIS technician with MAP Scientific Services.
Together, their work spans important areas such as biodiversity research, environmental law and spatial data analysis.
According to WWF South Africa spokesperson Andrea Weiss, the organization has been helping shape the country's future green workforce through its Environmental Leaders Graduate Internship Program for almost 15 years.
Designed as a practical, paid bridge into the working world, this program provides recent Honors and Master's graduates with access to practical experience, professional training and networks who can launch long-term careers in the environmental sector.
Every two years, WWF South Africa selects a new group to participate in a structured, 12-month internship.
The program responds directly to the skills shortage in South Africa, and provides opportunities in a variety of disciplines.
While some trainees pursue traditional conservation roles, others are placed in emerging, high-demand fields, among them economics, green engineering and sustainable architecture.
A major strength of the program lies in its participation.
Over the years, interns have been hosted by leading organizations such as SANParks, SANBI, Two Oceans Aquarium, Sustainable Energy Africa and Wildlands Conservation Trust.
These partnerships ensure that graduates are exposed to real-world challenges while making meaningful contributions to ongoing environmental work.
The initiative has also benefited from continued financial support from the WWF Nedbank Green Trust, which has supported the program since 2013, as well as companies such as Barloworld and, more recently, WWF's Japan office.
The latest cohort, now completing their internships, reflects the diversity of South Africa's educational landscape.
It included graduates from universities across the country, bringing expertise in areas ranging from taxonomy and climate science to environmental law.
“As they move into the next phase of their careers, their experience highlights the importance of structured support in the transition from academic study to professional practice,” Weiss said.
He said that the program is playing an important role not only in nurturing talent but also in strengthening the country's capacity to respond to serious environmental challenges.
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