By Emily Setona
CLARENS – A career awareness workshop held at Golden Gate Highlands National Park on August 5 brought the often-overlooked field of Environmental Health into the spotlight. Learners from Clarens and Soweto were introduced to this critical profession by Thabo Mofutsanyana District Municipality (TMDM) Environmental Health Practitioner (EHP) Tshepo Motaung and his two interns, Nthabeleng Sebata and Palesa Litabe.
“Environmental health is the cornerstone of life, It brings the health into life, and the living into health. Our job is to make sure the environment people live in is safe,” said Motaung, addressing the eager audience.
He cited a local example that resonated with the learners—concerns about unsafe snacks sold in tuck shops. “Who makes sure those snacks are safe to eat? We do. Environmental Health Practitioners are the silent protectors behind everyday health.”
Sebata, an intern with TMDM, described EHPs as the ‘first line of defence’ against disease. “We’re not doctors or nurses, but we work to make sure people don’t get sick in the first place,” she said.
She walked learners through the food value chain using potato chips as an example – tracing their journey from soil to shelf.
“At every step, we ensure hygiene and safety standards are met. That’s what we mean when we say ‘farm to table.”
Litabe, a University of Johannesburg graduate, focused on the vital work EHPs do in water and waste management. “We monitor your water, starting at the treatment plant, through the reservoir, and right up to your tap, to make sure it’s safe,” she explained.
She also highlighted how poor waste habits can harm the environment and public health. “Littering leads to pollution, which leads to disease. We teach communities to separate waste and use bins correctly. It’s not just about cleanliness; it’s about protecting lives.”
Motaung, clearly proud of his team, handed over the floor to his interns with confidence, telling the learners they would “knock their presentations out of the park.” They did exactly that, delivering energetic, insightful talks that painted Environmental Health as a career blending science, public service, and environmental care.
Environmental Health Practitioners, registered under the Health Professions Council of South Africa, enforce public health laws and promote environmental hygiene. Their responsibilities include food safety inspections, water quality monitoring, sanitation oversight, waste management, pollution prevention, and ensuring safe housing and workplaces.
For students with a passion for science, people, and the planet, Environmental Health offers a rewarding path. It’s a field where professionals make a visible difference – working in communities, inspecting facilities, and preventing outbreaks before they happen.
As the TMDM team showed, Environmental Health is not just essential; it’s inspiring.
