Gcobisa Ngubombi, a 23-year-old Newlands High Altitude Team (HAT ) member, joined the HAT programme in February 2015. The High Altitude programme specialises in clearing alien plants on steep mountain slopes and ravines. It plays a vital role in water conservation. Ngubombi grew up living with her grandmother in Khayelitsha before moving to Mfuleni to live with her mother and two siblings.

“Before I moved back in with my mother, it was challenging living in Khayelitsha. There was a lot of gansterism and drugs and I did not want to be a part of it. I kept myself busy by playing soccer and seeking better job opportunities so that I could support my family. My mom is a single parent, and like any mother she tries to provide for us. Ever since I joined the HAT programme I have had the opportunity to help her with the household and see that my siblings have what they need,” says Ngubombi.

Ngubombi says she enjoys the HAT programme because the areas they attend to are not always the same. Even though some days might be challenging, she is happy she gets to play a role in protecting the environment.

Ngubombi was recently promoted to Base Communications Representative. “The HAT and Working on Fire (WOF) programme has been really helpful as I was a shy person.

But now I have the confidence to speak up and climb to higher heights. I enjoy working with people and my aim is to become either a crew leader or an assistant to the Western Cape Communications Cluster. Thank you WOF and HAT for allowing me to gain confidence and make a difference in my life,” she says.