On 1 April, Anza Muthabi and Thembeka Mkhize, joined the FABI Internship programme. Theie appointment will add much needed capacity to various projects within the Tree Protection Co-operative Programme (TPCP), DSI-NRF Centre of Excellence in Plant Health Biotechnology (CPHB), Grain Research Programme and Macadamia Protection Programme. Anza and Thembeka will assist in rearing of stink bugs and the polyphagous shot hole borer, work within our disease clinic, as well in help in the grain research projects. They will also partake in various workshops and professional courses on pest risk analyses, communication and writing skills. Once they have successfully completed the internship, Anza and Thembeka will be able to harness their skills and help the South African forestry and agricultural sector deal with pest and pathogen threats.