A female employee of Mokala National Park is showing that with determination and willpower, anything is possible.
IT IS NOT every day that you can say that you have overcome obstacles in your life, but one female employee of Mokala National Park is holding her head up high and showing that with determination and willpower, anything is possible.
Nancy Mtileni was born in the little village of Lufele 2 in the Limpopo province. Despite having grown up in this tiny Venda village, Nancy immediately realised that she was meant for more. A formidable conservationist, Nancy took her first steps towards her future profession as a young child with a dream, a vision and a strong desire to realise that ideal.
She graduated from Tshwane University of Technology in 2015 with a National Diploma in Nature Conservation and opted to pursue her career aspirations at SANParks after considerable thought and discussion, and she began working there as an intern in 2017.
Nancy demonstrated to herself that the sky is the limit and that dreams can come true with effort, hard work and determination. Having previously faced discrimination, she has never looked back after becoming the first female ranger sergeant at Mokala National Park, an achievement she and her family could be proud of.
Nancy responded to a question about herself by saying, “My smile is my signature. I always find something to be happy about … and I believe in voicing my opinions rather than being a quiet mouse in the corner.”
Nancy was asked to describe herself and to give a peek behind the conservation hero of Mokala National Park.
Because Mokala National Park is relatively new and still developing, Nancy says it offers opportunities for growth in South African National Parks and for making formidable footprints by inspiring other young women that there is in fact a future in conservation. She specifically chose the park to advance her career because of the diversity of species that can be found there and the landscape.
When in the veld, Nancy enjoys taking pictures and holds the view that “a picture may tell a thousand stories and it can also be kept for future generations”.
“Never underestimate your strength as a woman; believe in yourself and nothing will ever stand in your way,” is Nancy’s advice to her co-workers and other women thinking about a career in SANParks.
“There is always a way to reach the mountain’s summit. Don’t let anyone tell you that conservation is a man’s profession, since you are a lady with legitimate ambitions. You are strong, persistent, patient, and resilient by nature.”
Nancy is a conservation hero and an inspiration to any woman who desires to pursue a career in this mostly male industry because she was the first female ranger sergeant at Mokala National Park.
