A local conservation programme is creating real opportunities for young people around the Ceres Mountain Fynbos Nature Reserve. More than 40 youth have gained green employment, clearing over 2,000 hectares of invasive alien vegetation and, for one participant, opening the door to permanent municipal employment.
The benefits reach well beyond the reserve. Neighbouring communities are seeing a recovering natural environment, along with renewed care for the public spaces they use every day.
“In the past few months, the improvement in the state of the park, the cleanliness, the tending, the mowing and the care shown for what we have, has been so pleasing to the eye. It is a pleasure to live here now. Everyone I have been in contact with on this project has been most kind and approachable, and I thank them for that,” said Mark Bezik, a Ceres resident from Oak Street.
Funded by Perdekraal East Wind Farm since October 2022, the Witzenberg Biodiversity Conservation and Climate Change Programme (WBCCCP) supports environmental sustainability and biodiversity conservation while creating green employment and skills-development opportunities for local youth.
Employees are recruited through the municipal database, with a focus on unemployed young people who have a passion for nature and are comfortable working outdoors. Through accredited training in herbicide application, brush-cutter and chainsaw operation, first aid, health and safety, fire management, plant identification and erosion control, they gain practical skills that can improve their prospects of finding work in conservation and environmental management.
For one youth, the programme has already opened the door to permanent employment. After nearly two years in the initiative, they secured a permanent position with Witzenberg Municipality in February 2026, demonstrating how conservation work can provide a pathway to longer-term employment.
“Witnessing these youth, many from underprivileged or low-income backgrounds, grow as individuals and leaders while overcoming adversity and developing a passion for nature has been the most meaningful result since the programme began,” said Rouchet Daniels, Social Programme Manager at Perdekraal East Wind Farm.
Beyond clearing invasive alien vegetation, the programme has supported the replanting of more than 680 indigenous plants at a community educational garden. It also reaches more than 180 local school learners annually through environmental education covering biodiversity, climate change, water conservation and waste management.
“We believe that conservation should benefit both nature and people. By bringing biodiversity protection and youth employment together, we are investing in a healthier natural environment while helping young people build a more secure future,” added Daniels.
Looking ahead, the programme’s long-term vision is to establish permanent municipal positions to support the Ceres Mountain Fynbos Nature Reserve, including a conservationist, two general workers supported by Perdekraal East Wind Farm and at least two field rangers.
