Leitah Mkhabela
Leitah Mkhabela became interested in Nature Conservation when she was a student. During her school years she attended Timbavati Foundation Eco Club where she learned how to protect the environment and wild animals.
Leitah started her career as a Black Mamba in 2014. During her training Leitah obtained her Firearm certificate and underwent Emergency Care Specialist Training. Further Leitah took her Senior Command Course in 2017 and the same year was appointed as a Sergeant and Media Liaison Officer.
Hard work in the field, personal and leadership qualities eventually led to her appointment as the Black Mambas’ Supervisor. Her responsibilities include running the Operations Room, daily administration work for the Black Mambas, educating local communities that are adjacent to the Game Reserve regarding protecting and conserving natural resources.
On a regular basis Leitah hosts national and international groups from Lodges and presents the Black Mambas project to them to raise awareness. As the Media Liaison, Leitah engages with media teams and press representatives during briefing meetings, and filming on sites. Also, Leitah conducts Zoom and Whatsapp interviews with journalists and writers.
At the end of 2022 Leitah was selected as one of the Black Mambas Ambassadors by Transfrontier Africa NPC.
Outside work, Leitah helps those in need in her community by donating food and clothes to them. She does her charity work through the group called Hluvukani Active Generation Group.