Phezisa Ntlantala: Alien Vegetation Contractor Protecting Nature

Meet Phezisa Ntlantala, an independent alien vegetation contractor:

In 2017, I moved to the Western Cape (Pearly Beach) to look for work. Finding a stable job was not easy then. For years, I worked on short projects that never lasted more than six months so money was not steady.

In 2022, things changed. I joined the Biodiversity Stewardship Program supported by SEF funding. Through this program, I learned the importance of protecting nature. I remove alien plants, build hiking trails, control erosion, help with rehabilitation & keep the environment clean. This program also gave me the chance to train in First Aid and now I am a First Aider for my team. I feel proud to be gaining skills and growing in my work. My dream is to continue learning and build a career in conservation.

I was especially happy when I heard that SEF is providing more funding, making our project stable for the past two years. This means I can keep working without breaks, and most importantly, I can provide for my family.