What motivated you to join Tshikovha Green and Climate Change Advocates? I was driven to join Tshikovha Green and Climate Change Advocates because I have a deep passion for exploring environmental topics. My curiosity drives me to seek answers to everything that crosses my mind. I thrive in situations where I can work to solve environmental issues, whether they are caused by human actions or natural forces.

How did your academic background prepare you for your current role at the organization? My academic background has equipped me to understand the interactions between human activities and the environment, including which approaches, such as environmental policies and regulations, should be implemented to protect it.

Can you describe a recent project you have worked on here that you found particularly interesting or challenging? Working on the KwaZanele Colliery (Pty) Ltd project has been both interesting and challenging, as it was my first time handling a mining right project that required the Background Information Document to include not only the activities triggered by Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) regulations, but also those related to Waste Use License and Waste Management License. I was accustomed to dealing solely with EIA regulations, so I had to conduct research, gain an understanding, and verify that I was identifying the correct activities for Water and Waste applications. Furthermore, teamwork and seeking clarification from team members were extremely helpful.

What unique skills or perspectives do you bring to the team at Tshikovha? The ability to document public participation activities in an innovative way and problem solving.

How do you see your role impacting the organization’s mission of advocating for climate change? I see my role as having a significant impact. Since I am contributing in stakeholder’s engagement notifying them about the project and incorporate their input for potential solution related to climate change and adaptions.

What key learning experience have you had since joining Tshikovha Green and Climate Change Advocates? What are the key learning experiences you have had since joining Tshikovha Green and Climate Change Advocates? I have learnt to differentiate which triggered activities I should use depending on the project I am working on. Including how to write Background Information Document, Advert, Site notices, and Public Participation Report.

How do you balance the theoretical knowledge from your studies with the practical demands of your job? How do you balance the theoretical knowledge from your studies with the practical demands of your job? I balance by bridging theory and practise. The project I work with, I actively work to connect the theoretical knowledge to the specific context and the requirements of the project.

Have you encountered any unexpected challenges in your role? How did you address them? I firstly find solutions by using the tools which I have and research for a better solution if it related to the project. After gathering the information, I have. I ask another colleague to assist me using the information I gathered so there can rectify me.

What are your long-term career goals, and how does your position here align with those ambitions? What are your long-term career goals, and how does your position here align with those ambitions? My long-term goal is to deepen my knowledge in the environmental industry and secure a stable job. Through this position, I am already expanding my understanding of how corporations operate within the environmental sector.

How do you stay updated with the latest developments in environmental policy and climate change advocacy? I keep on updated by following news outlets, and media channels that cover environmental policy and climate change development.