Karen Swiegers has recently been promoted to General Manager at HESC. She is an invaluable member of our team and has played an enormous role at the centre over the course of her time with us.

Karen completed a course in PR & Marketing Management after high school, and did a short course in Game Ranging before entering Tswane University of Technology (TUT) for a Game Ranch Management course. She earned her FGASA Level one qualification. She started working at HESC in 2008 in an administrative capacity, but quickly moved up through the ranks as she has a drive and passion for everything she does.

“I grew up with the dream of wanting to work with animals, and wildlife. That’s why I applied for a job opportunity at HESC.” During her time as a student co-ordinator, her role necessitated managerial, administrative, and operational functions around HESC – she was also responsible for teaching participating students about conservation.

What Karen treasures most about her job at HESC is the opportunity to change people’s lives, whether it’s teaching students about conservation, or showing visitors the incredible work that HESC does.

“The most challenging part of my job lies in changing the mindset of people who don’t genuinely care about integrity, honesty and hard work in conservation.”

We’d like to extend a warm welcome to Karen in her new position, and to thank her for all that she has done for us over the years. Congratulations Karen! You’ve earned this.

Yours in Conservation

The HESC Team