Interview with Simphiwe from our Elephant Care and Research project

We chatted to the wonderful Simphiwe from our Elephant Care and Research project about her love for elephants, home province and of course the South African braii barbeque!

Where in South Africa are you from?

I was born and bred in Mpumalanga province South Africa. Mpumalanga is a natural beauty, rich cultural heritage and diverse wildlife. Mpumalanga is mostly famous for the Panorama Route, Blyde River Canyon and Kruger National Park.  

How long have you been working at the Elephant Care and Research project and what’s your role?

I have been working as the Assistant Volunteer Co-ordinator and Administrator for 6 months now.

Before joining the elephant team I was a field assistant at Kalahari Research Centre in the Northern Cape, working in a Meerkat project.

What do you think makes the project special?

What makes it special is that research team works directly in field, collecting data and observing elephant behaviour first hand and its commitment to conservation and protection of African Elephants is what stands out for me.

Where is your favourite place to recommend to volunteers to visit on their days off?

My favourite place I could recommend is the Feathered bed Nature Reserve in Knysna. 

What’s your favourite dish you think that all volunteers should try?

My favourite local dish is braai meat, the smell of meat on the braai stand and the taste of braai meat is what makes this my favourite meal. 

What’s your favourite elephant fact?

My favourite fact about elephants is that they communicate through rumbling, roars, trumpeting and body language. 

What country in the world would you most like to visit?

A country I strongly desire to visit is Indonesia, because I love the sea and how aesthetically pleasing it is. 

What do you do in your free-time? 

In my free time I like to read books, travel and cook. 

If you would like to find out more about the Elephant Care and Research project in South Africa you can visit the project page here: https://www.podvolunteer.org/projects/elephant-research-south-africa