Another group of students from the Department of Nature Conservation has also benefited from the department’s proactiveness. Five academics from the department – Dr Lindo Tshapha, Dr Melford Mbedzi, Siya Ntuli, Trevor Govender and Dr Thanda Mbanjwa, took the final year Bachelor of Applied Science in Nature Conservation students on 9 to 12 October 2025, to Siyaya Coastal Park, in North-eastern KwaZulu-Natal, on a collaborative course field trip, an industrial integrated learning experience. Coastal and marine management, freshwater management, protected area management, and wildlife management were all covered during the field trip. Conservation officials from Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife, including Honourary Officer Chairman Nic Maitland and education officer Mary Basson, also briefed our students on the practical and applied aspects of Nature Conservation. Students visited various biomes to gain a comprehensive experience.
Govender said the trip was one of the students’ best outdoor applied science experiences in nature conservation. “The 20 students camped for the first time. They were also taught life skills and camping etiquette.
The trip was a collaborative partnership which was supported by Professor Alfred Msomi, the Dean of the faculty, Professor Akash Anandraj, Head of the Department, and Vuyiswa Radebe, Head of Biodiversity Management at eZemvelo KZN Wildlife. This trip enhances the WIL and exposes our students to industrial partners for employment purposes.