This bumper Q2 issue of the Bateleur focuses on the Southern African Wildlife College’s response to the Covid-19 virus and the impact that the mandatory closure of all contact training training institutions has had on the institution and its various departments.
As per the protocols put in place, which were communicated to all our various stakeholders via regular News Flashes as the regulations unfolded, the College immediately sprang into action to ensure that we were compliant.
The College has at all times acknowledged that it has a responsibility to minimise health and safety risks and to look out for the health and welfare of its employees and students. The protocols put in place seek to protect employees, minimise transmission, and deal with employees should they become infected. It also looks at how the risk of transmission from staff to students or visitors can be minimised or mitigated completely.
In addition, arrangements had to be made for those staff that were deemed to be part of essential services and as such were able to continue working on site. This included members of our maintenance team as well as personnel working in law enforcement. This meant that our air-wing as well as our K9 unit were provided with permits enabling them to continue operating. We are extremely proud of the work they continue to do including the valued services they offer to SANParks as well as the Associated Private Nature Reserves (APNR’s) in combatting wildlife crime and providing valuable data. Anyone wishing to help fund these essential services to please contact tsowry@sawc.org.za or jpoultney@sawc.org.za.
As part of the College response to Covid-19 regulations a task force has also been put in place to ensure protocols are communicated and complied with. These include the SAWC’s:
Executive Committee:
Theresa Sowry: CEO, Sharmain Hanekom, Executive Manager: Finance and Jeanné Poultney, Executive Manager: Marketing, Fundraising and Media Relations.
Covid-19 Compliance Officer:
Lesley Greyling, Head HR
Deputy Covid-19 Compliance Officer:
Thokozani Nkuna, Maintenance Supervisor and Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Chair
Deputy Covid-19 Compliance Officer:
Rhandzane Nhlovu, Maintenance Stores and OSH Vice-Chair
Covid- 19 Administration Assistant
Perseverence Maake, HR Administrator
Academic Point Person
Ashwell Glasson, Head: Academic Policy & Sector Advancement
A full account of the College’s handling of the situation is included under Corporate News as provided by our Human Resources department. Each department’s response is also included under their sections, together with news from each of the departments or units.
