SAEON Ndlovu's TTF programme for 2008 gets off to a good start

Protected by two Kruger Park field rangers, the teachers venture forth into the bush to learn more about the environment (Picture © Robert Buitenwerf) Teachers decide on the programme for 2008 at the first Teachers Tearoom Forum meeting held this year (Picture © Joe Sibiya) Ecologist Mandy Momberg of Palabora Mining Company gives a talk to the teachers on environmental management and monitoring at the mine (Picture © Joe Sibiya)

- By Joe Sibiya, Education Outreach Officer, SAEON Ndlovu Node

In December last year, as part of the final Teachers Tearoom Forum (TTF) for 2007, a group of teachers went on a bushwalk in the Kruger National Park under the guidance of two Kruger Park field rangers. Although it was an exhausting walk in the midsummer heat, the teachers agreed that it was an experience that they would cherish for a long time. 

On 23 January the first TTF meeting for 2008 was held at the SAEON Ndlovu office building. The purpose of the meeting was to unpack the TTF programme for this year. 

As part of the Forum meeting, ecologist Mandy Momberg of Palabora Mining Company (PMC) gave a talk on environmental management and monitoring at the mine. 

PMC shares a common border with the Kruger National Park. The impact of the company´s operations on the surrounding environment is therefore closely scrutinised by government, environmental groups, South African National Parks and the local community. 

PMC has an on-site wildlife management programme in place to protect and manage wild animals on its surrounding estates.