In August 2007 the Skills Development Programme was launched at False Bay Ecology Park. Its aim was to take members from the local community and teach them the necessary skills that would make them more employable after their two year period. Over the last four years it has produced a number of promising candidates, one such as Sadieka Hartogh.

Sadieka Hatogh arriving at work

Leaving school at an early age she worked as a cashier at a local Seven Eleven until she was married. After being a dedicated house wife for ten years she decided to apply for a position with the Skills Development Programme. After a screening process in 2009 her application was successful and she began working at Rondevlei Nature Reserve. Working among the students and permanent staff she became recognised as the shy and polite lady with the permanent smile. During this time she attended a chainsaw and brush cutter competency course along with a basic wild fire suppression course and excelled at both.

After a year she was then redeployed at Pelican Park Nature Reserve where she again brought her cheerful presence along with a new ‘never say die’ attitude. During this time she received a certificate for First aid level 1 and level 3. In October 2010 she had the opportunity to attended the ‘Unarmed field ranger training’ at the Southern African Wildlife College in Kruger National Park. Here she underwent rigorous physical and mental military grade training. Here she quickly stood out among her fellow classmates and as no surprised returned home a month later with a certificate for the ‘Most improved field ranger’. She later went on and acquired her C1 learners licence through the programme and is currently pursuing her drivers licence.

At the end of June 2011 the Skills Development Programme ended.
Fortunately Sadieka stayed on a contract basis and assisted with administration duties at the False Bay Ecology Park Headquarters situated at Zeekoevlei Nature Reserve.

In mid-July a permanent field ranger post was advertised for the False Bay Ecology Park. Eight candidates from the previous Skills Development Programmes were interviewed, among them Sadieka. After all the paperwork and red tape was covered by Human Resources Sadieka again stood out among the rest.

Sadieka is now the latest addition to the False Bay team. She is appointed as a field ranger for the entire False Bay Ecology Park and is sure to brighten things up with her cheerful personality and permanent smile.

Credits:
Mogamat Samsodien (Community Conservation Officer)
Pelican Park Nature Reserve
False Bay Ecology Park
Regards, Asieff