A 'bold plan' for people and parks

An Eastern Cape entrepreneur is blossoming through a skills programme, highlighting the aim of achieving people-centred conservation

- Sheree Bega

In May, Thulisa Mnqabisa was among a group of graduates from a biodiversity economy skills training programme aimed at equipping underprivileged Eastern Cape communities with income-generating skills.

The initiative, run by Meals on Wheels Community Services in partnership with South African National Parks (SANParks), focused on sustainable manufacturing using organic materials. Participants were trained to produce beauty products, leather goods and preserved foods.

For Mnqabisa, who owns a beauty salon in Nomathamasanqa in the town of Addo, the training opened new doors. She has since launched her own range of eco-friendly personal care products.

Last week, she showcased her natural healing massage oil at SANParks' inaugural Vision 2040 Indaba in Gqeberha, as one of its 48 local small, medium and micro enterprise exhibitors.

"All the products I make are based on biodiversity," she said. "There are no chemicals — we use plants."

Mnqabisa's future range will include soaps, lip balms and facial creams. "Since attending Vision 2040, I realised we can use plants around us for personal care products. It's amazing to learn more about our nature and what it can offer."

She dreams of one day opening a spa inside Addo Elephant National Park.

"SANParks and I are together because I get some guests from the park. But some guests are too scared to come to the location ... so I want to open another spa and create a secure, comfortable space for them inside the park."