FABI welcomed eight new members that join the DSI-NRF Centre of Excellence in Plant Health Biotechnology (CPHB) Internship in Phytosanitation and Biosecurity.  The group started their 12-month programme at the Institute on 1 February where they were welcomed by programme head Prof. Martin Coetzee and coordinator Dr Katrin Fitza, FABI Director Prof. Bernard Slippers and academics and staff including Prof. Irene Barnes, Prof. Almuth Hammerbacher, Dr Gerda Fourie, Dr Gabrielle Carstensen, Samantha Bush and Sophie Nyoni.

The interns are Lerato Dhlamini, Mukondeleli Khethani, Bongani Mahlangu, Tjitjila Makhura, Andile Matabata, Mpho Matsetela, Khulekani Mbatha and Nicolette Sianyuka.

Prof. Slippers said that the group was selected by a very rigorous process with over 500 applications having been received for the eight positions on offer. He added that while the year ahead had intense requirements it would also be a fun time to learn and grow and open new opportunities for their professional growth.

Welcoming the group, Prof. Martin Coetzee said that he was very excited to meet the new interns and that the internship presented the interns an opportunity to work in a scientific environment and learn skills but that they must be willing and enthusiastic to learn.