Thapelo Motebo was recently appointed as Wilderness Safaris Group Biodiversity Conservation Coordinator, bringing with him 18 years of extensive experience in nature conservation, environmental sciences and project management.
He will be responsible for coordinating all of the company’s work related to Biodiversity Conservation across the Group, including the Integrated Annual Report and the successful implementation of the new Wilderness Safaris Biodiversity Conservation Strategy.
Thapelo Motebo
After completing a Postgraduate Diploma in Environmental Sciences at the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits), Thapelo started his career as a field guide in the Kruger National Park. He then joined the Gauteng Provincial Government as a Nature Conservator before heading an alien invasive vegetation clearing programme that eventually led to him being appointed as the Reserve Manager for the Eastern Cape Parks and Tourism Agency. Thereafter, he joined the Department of Environmental Affairs as an Assistant Director coordinating all activities and projects for the |Ai-|Ais/Richtersveld Transfrontier Park, Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park and the Greater Mapungubwe Transfrontier Conservation Area for five years.
Thapelo will report into Wilderness Safaris’ Group Sustainability Manager, Dr Sue Snyman, who is thrilled to have him on board as a dedicated Group Coordinator to continue driving the company’s passion and commitment to Biodiversity Conservation.
According to Sue, his work will enable the Sustainability department to provide further support, as well as information related to best practices, to the regions where Wilderness operates. This will allow Wilderness Safaris to have a greater positive impact and to continue looking for optimal solutions to positively impact biodiversity conservation.
Having worked with numerous different stakeholders at the Department of Environmental Affairs, Thapelo is excited to be taking on this new position at Wilderness. Coupled with his experience in project management, Thapelo is confident that he will add value to Wilderness Safaris’ Sustainability team.
“I am impressed with Wilderness Safaris’ commitment to having a minimal impact on the environment despite the magnitude and complexity of its operations, and I believe I can contribute in spreading the message. I am looking forward to growing within Wilderness Safaris and continuing to make a difference to the environment and surrounding communities,” said Thapelo.
