The Endangered Wildlife Trust (EWT) is making a significant impact in South Africa by not only conserving species and their habitats, but also empowering people and communities to coexist with wildlife.

Our Wildlife and Infrastructure Unit (WIN)  has had a long-standing partnership with South African power utility Eskom aimed at minimising negative interactions between wildlife and electrical infrastructure. 

One aspect of this is empowering their staff through snake awareness and snake handling courses, whereby participants learn how to safely interact with snakes in their working environment when they encounter them, both in the field and on-site. These courses are particularly available for power utility staff who often encounter snakes during operations, of which can delay work, disrupt operation and may even pose risk to staff . The training enables them to humanely remove snakes from their operational areas and relocate them safely, without putting themselves or others at risk.

The courses cover essential topics such as identification of venomous and non-venomous species, snake bite treatment, and handling snakes safely to remove them from danger areas and relocate them safely.

Recently, the WIN conducted snake awareness and handling courses for power utility staff generation GX in Mpumalanga and the Western Cape respectively. Participants initially arrived with a healthy respect for snakes, having been misinformed about the species during their lifetime. Many had a deep-seated fear, viewing snakes as dangerous all the time and prone to attack.

However, after the training, there was a noticeable shift – smiles replaced apprehension, and participants began to appreciate the species, understanding their ecological function and the importance of conservation and coexistence. The opportunity to attend the course was met with enthusiasm, and the newfound appreciation for snakes was clear, with many expressing gratitude for the experience.

The EWT’s efforts have been widely appreciated by the power utility, which has seen a positive impact on their operations. By educating staff and communities about snakes, the EWT is helping to dispel myths and fears surrounding these often misunderstood creatures. This, in turn, promotes a culture of coexistence and conservation, where people can safely share their environment with wildlife.

The snake awareness and handling courses have been a long-standing part of the WIN’s outreach program, and their value is evident in the positive feedback received from participants. By empowering individuals with knowledge and skills, the EWT is making a tangible difference in promoting the protection and conservation of South Africa’s incredible wildlife.