WELCOME AT NAS

Dr Mohlamatsane Mokhatla started his career at the Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences on 1 January 2022. 

Read more about him.

Q: What do you do at NAS? (job title, a short description of what you do and in which department/division you work)
A: I am a Lecturer in the Department of Zoology and Entomology, teaching undergraduate and postgraduate students in Zoology and Wildlife Management. My research interest lies in the realm of understanding the impacts of climate change on African vertebrates

Q: As a new staff member at UP, what stands out for you from UP/NAS?
A: As a returning Tukkie, I am delighted to be back! UP is a world-class university with excellent facilities and an engaged student community. Here, opportunities are endless.

Q: What qualities do you think a good employee should have to succeed?
A: Willingness to take advice from people who have walked the path before and not being afraid to start new things, forging ones’ path. Also working collaboratively with other colleagues

Q: What is your life philosophy? What words do you live by?
A: There is no such thing as self-made (wo)men. At some point, someone saw something in every one of us to be where we are today. This is embodied in phrases such as “motho ke motho ka batho” in the African context. I believe that this is what lured me back, and I hope I will be able to assist the next generation of students in creating their paths in the field of conservation

Q: Who is your role model/mentor, and why?
A: Too many to mention here. But it is generally people who have gone out of their way to positively impact the lives of others. But If I have to be specific, my mother, Puseletso Mokhatla, for her resilience.

Q: Where did you study, and what is your highest qualification?
A: BSc, BSc (Hons) MSc, all in Zoology from UP. I then moved to Stellenbosch University, where I received a PhD in Zoology

Q: Where were you previously employed?
A: I worked as a scientist at the South African National Parks (SANParks), Garden Route National Park for five years, then lectured for six months at Sol Plaatje University in Kimberley.