Lufuno Khabane, joined the WESSA team on the 11th of August 2025, as our new National Membership Coordinator, where he will play a key role in strengthening and growing our member community across South Africa.
With a BSc in Biodiversity and Conservation from the University of Venda and certification as a Nature Guide (NQF 2) from the Field Guide Association of Southern Africa, Lufuno brings both academic grounding and practical expertise. His career has spanned environmental education, wildlife research, and community engagement, including roles as a Research Technician (Rhino Monitor), Environmental Officer, and Field Guide. These experiences have sharpened his skills in data collection and analysis, public speaking, stakeholder collaboration, and sustainable development.
Lufuno shares that his commitment to environmental stewardship was inspired by firsthand encounters with South Africa’s unique ecosystems and his desire to enable youth and communities to protect their natural heritage. He sees WESSA’s mission — to educate, advocate, and act for environmental and social justice, climate action, biodiversity protection, and pollution reduction in Southern Africa — as perfectly aligned with his own values of conservation, education, and inclusivity.
Beyond his professional experience, Lufuno has been actively involved in leadership roles within UNESCO’s South African MaB Youth Network and various Biosphere Reserves. Through these platforms, he has honed his ability to engage diverse audiences, coordinate youth programmes, and drive impactful environmental initiatives—skills he is eager to apply in expanding WESSA’s membership and community outreach.
Looking ahead, Lufuno’s goal for his first year is to expand youth participation and membership in conservation programmes by developing innovative educational initiatives that connect young people with nature. “I believe empowering the next generation is vital to securing our environmental future and amplifying WESSA’s impact nationally,” he explains.
To young professionals aspiring to build a green career, Lufuno offers this advice:
“Stay curious, patient and resilient. Environmental work is challenging but incredibly rewarding. Remember the words of Baba Dioum: ‘In the end, we will conserve only what we love; we will love only what we understand; and we will understand only what we are taught.’ Never stop learning and inspiring others.”
We are excited to have Lufuno join the WESSA team and look forward to the passion and fresh perspective he will bring to our work.