Durban — The Crocworld Conservation Centre has hired its first woman manager, Susan Badat.
With 2025 a stone’s throw away, Crocworld will not only celebrate Henry the crocodile’s 125th birthday but it will also welcome Badat, the centre’s first woman manager.
Badat has a passion for the natural world and a commitment to conservation. She is the ideal candidate to take the centre forward.
“I am so excited about taking on the position of centre manager at Crocworld, and there is a lot more in the pipeline to look forward to!” said an exuberant Badat.
“I have always had a passion for nature and sustainability which I believe can be achieved through our work, education programmes, and community engagement at Crocworld.”
Badat, who matriculated from Eshowe High School in northern KwaZulu-Natal, pursued a series of qualifications that ensured her success in the agricultural sector.
“Agriculture plays a significant role in global economies, especially in rural areas,” Badat explained.
“I chose this field to help support sustainable agricultural development and contribute to social and economic sustainability. As an Indian woman, many of my ancestral family members were raised on farms and worked on farms, and I felt a connection to continuing the legacy and making a career out of it.”
After starting as a GM secretary in Crookes Brothers Limited and working her way up in Tongaat Hulett to the position of assistant estate manager at Riversbend in Nkwalini, Badat relocated to the KZN South Coast where she took up the position of farm manager for Crookes Brothers Ltd at Renishaw in 2020.
Combining her passion for the environment and local communities, Badat quickly became a member of the Scottburgh community policing forum, an Umdoni ward committee member for Renishaw Geographical, and a councillor for Sizela Cane Growers Association.
Her key skills in leadership, safety and security, business management and staff development make her well-suited for her new role as Crocworld Centre manager, officially starting in January 2025.
Commenting on what she feels sets this centre apart, Badat said: “Crocworld offers such comprehensive educational programmes for schools and families that highlight the need for environmental conservation, biodiversity, and the important role of reptiles in maintaining ecological balance. It’s set in the most picturesque coastal location with incredibly beautiful views, adding to the visitor experience by combining diverse wildlife observation within a relaxing natural environment. It’s such a privilege to work here.”
When not caring for the staff and creatures at Crocworld, this mother-of-three enjoys spending time with her family and friends, gardening, partaking in nature photography and networking with others in her community.
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