Ranger honoured for 40 years of service
Philipe Mnembe is grateful to have spent 40 years of his life conserving nature.
THE Palmiet Nature Reserve in Westville honoured one of their rangers for 40 years of unbroken service. Phillip Mnembe was awarded by the committee in appreciation of his dedicated work as a well-known friendly face at the reserve.
Mnembe started working at the nature reserve in 1983 when he was 21 and worked in the Parks Department. With so many changes that took place over the years, Mnembe recalled a long list of department heads he worked with. He said he has always enjoyed his job and learned a lot from it.
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“While doing my tasks, I learned how to differentiate between indigenous and alien plants in the various eThekwini reserves. I have learned the importance of maintaining reserves for the next generation, and I have managed to spread this message through our talks when visiting schools.”
Mnembe said he is grateful for the experience he has gained through his job and has gained knowledge he is always willing to share. “I have learned a lot about nature and learned through the different changes we have seen over the years. With the increasing population and increased infrastructure, it is important to conserve nature. This is made possible by our work with colleagues and superiors,” he said.
When he retires, he will return to his traditional home near Giant’s Castle where he has five children and will make sure they spread the message of conservation and the planting of indigenous trees.
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