Kenny Mndawe

Environmental Scientist & Research Specialist
Johannesburg, ZA.

About

Distinguished Environmental Scientist and MSc Geography candidate with over five years of experience in environmental impact assessments, water quality analysis, and the formulation of sustainable strategies. Skilled in utilising advanced analytical and GIS mapping techniques to promote data-driven conservation strategies and policy formulation, enhancing collaboration with governmental bodies, NGOs, and local communities. Dedicated to fostering ecological equilibrium and socioeconomic development through innovative waste management and significant sustainability initiatives.

Work

Nelson Mandela University
|

Tutor

Gqeberha, Eastern Cape, South Africa

Summary

In this role, I created a supportive learning environment for first-year Geography students, bridging lecture content with practical understanding. I concentrated on enhancing comprehension, directing assessments, and cultivating an active learning environment that bolstered both academic achievement and student confidence in the GENV/X 101 and 102 modules.

Highlights

Facilitating Tutorials and Practical Sessions Facilitated small groups of students in the exploration of course content, encompassing physical and human geography concepts, cartography, Earth–Sun interactions, meteorological processes, plate tectonics, and landform evolution.

Academic Support and Feedback Facilitated students' comprehension of lectures, elucidated challenging concepts, and offered constructive critiques on assignments, examinations, and practical tasks.

Assessment and Administration Assisted in the preparation and evaluation of tutorial exercises, quizzes, and assessments according to departmental standards, ensuring equity and uniformity.

Student Engagement and Mentorship Facilitated participation, orchestrated group discussions, and assisted students in cultivating academic competencies, including critical thinking, scientific writing, and foundational GIS knowledge.

Nelson Mandela University
|

Graduate Researcher

Gqeberha, Eastern Cape, South Africa

Summary

Conducting a multidisciplinary investigation on water quality in Eastern Cape river catchments, incorporating citizen science and stakeholder collaboration to develop actionable conservation strategies.

Highlights

Participating in a multidisciplinary research study that examines water quality across three river catchments in the Eastern Cape, yielding essential data for regional environmental health.

Adhered to and executed citizen science protocols, effectively involving local communities in data collection to broaden research scope and enhance public participation.

Collaborated with municipal stakeholders to translate complex research findings into actionable conservation strategies and policy recommendations.

Employed sophisticated GIS mapping and statistical modelling methods to examine environmental data, providing substantial insights for sustainable resource management.

Ditshimega Projects & Training
|

Environmental Officer

Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa

Summary

I ensured that construction activities complied with environmental laws, the EIA, and the EMPr by carrying out daily site monitoring and inspections. I managed incidents by maintaining the register, implementing corrective actions, and developing action plans for non-conformances. I prepared weekly and monthly environmental monitoring reports, attended HSE meetings, and communicated findings with the ECO, Safety Manager, and project teams. I also oversaw waste management, maintained the environmental file, and ensured proper placement of signage and barriers to promote environmental stewardship throughout the construction period.

Highlights

Monitoring and Compliance Ensure a daily presence on-site, conduct inspections of activities, and verify adherence to the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), Environmental Management Programme (EMPr), permits, and relevant legislation.

Incident and Risk Management Maintain an incident register, implement corrective measures, and formulate action plans to rectify non-conformities or environmental incidents occurring during construction.

Reporting and Communication Compile weekly and monthly environmental monitoring reports, participate in HSE meetings and toolbox discussions, and coordinate communication among the construction team, Safety Manager, client, and Environmental Control Officer (ECO).

Environmental Stewardship Supervise waste management, ensure appropriate signage and barriers are established, manage the environmental file, and advocate compliance with all environmental regulations and standards.

Nelson Mandela University
|

Lecturing Assistant

Gqeberha, Eastern Cape, South Africa

Summary

Supported Geography 101 students through tutorial delivery, practical demonstrations, and academic mentorship, enhancing learning outcomes for over 100 undergraduates.

Highlights

Delivered engaging tutorials and practical demonstrations for Geography 101, covering physical geography, climatology, and GIS basics for diverse student cohorts.

Designed and implemented effective assessment rubrics, providing targeted one-on-one academic support to over 100 undergraduate students.

Contributed to curriculum development by integrating current environmental science principles and pedagogical best practices into teaching materials.

Fostered an inclusive learning environment, improving student comprehension and engagement in complex geographical concepts.

Nelson Mandela University
|

Honours Research Project Lead

Gqeberha, Eastern Cape, South Africa

Summary

Conducted ethnographic fieldwork and presented findings on waste pickers' socio-economic role to municipal stakeholders, influencing local policy discussions.

Highlights

Conducted extensive ethnographic fieldwork to assess the socio-economic role of waste pickers in Steytlerville, generating critical insights into informal recycling economies.

Presented research findings at the national Conference (SSAG 2023) and to municipal recycling stakeholders, directly influencing local policy discussions and waste management strategies.

Utilized qualitative fieldwork and interview analysis techniques to gather and interpret data, providing a nuanced understanding of community livelihoods.

Authored a comprehensive research paper, 'Examining the Livelihoods of Waste Pickers and Their Influence on the Recycling Industry in Steytlerville,' contributing to academic discourse.

Varsity College
|

Invigilator

Sandton, Gauteng, South Africa

Summary

Maintained academic integrity during examinations by supervising students and enforcing institutional protocols at Varsity College.

Highlights

Supervised examinations for large student groups, ensuring strict adherence to academic integrity protocols and institutional guidelines.

Managed exam logistics and maintained a fair testing environment, contributing to the credibility of assessment processes.

Resolved minor issues during exams efficiently, minimizing disruptions and supporting a focused testing atmosphere.

Volunteer

Glen Ridge Primary School
|

Volunteer

Gqeberha, Eastern Cape, South Africa

Summary

Instructed primary school students on environmental stewardship and community responsibility, while enhancing school facilities and accessibility.

Highlights

Instructed primary school pupils on the significance of environmental stewardship, encompassing waste management and community sanitation, thereby cultivating early awareness.

Coordinated and directed schoolyard clean-up initiatives, markedly enhancing the aesthetic and sanitary conditions of the educational environment.

Rearranged and relocated educational equipment to enhance classroom accessibility and foster a more effective learning environment for students.

Education

Nelson Mandela University
Gqeberha, Eastern Cape, South Africa

Master of Science (MSc)

Geography

Courses

Water Quality Analysis

GIS Mapping (ArcGIS pro, QGIS, Google Earth Pro, ArcMap and Terrset)

Citizen Science Engagement

Statistical Modeling

Scientific Research

Technical Report Writing

Environmental Education

Stakeholder Collaboration

Nelson Mandela University
Gqeberha, Eastern Cape, South Africa

Bachelor of Science (BSc Honours)

Environmental Geography

Courses

Qualitative Fieldwork

Interview Analysis

Waste Management

Socioeconomic Impact Assessment

University of KwaZulu-Natal
Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

Bachelor of Social Science (BSS)

Geography & Environmental Management

Courses

Hydrology

Soil Science

Social & Physical Geography

Environmental Policy

GIS

Sustainable Development

Environmental Management

Awards

Africa Earth Observatory Network-NMU Research Bursary

Awarded By

Nelson Mandela University

Awarded for outstanding research potential within the Africa Earth Observatory Network program.

Post-Graduate Research Scholarship

Awarded By

Nelson Mandela University

Recognized for exceptional academic achievement and promise in postgraduate research.

Certificates

IAIAsa Membership

Issued By

International Association for Impact Assessment South Africa

Member, Society of South African Geographers

Issued By

Society of South African Geographers

Skills

Research

Mixed-methods Design (Qualitative/Quantitative), ArcGIS, Fieldwork Coordination, Statistical Modeling, Scientific Research, Technical Report Writing, Interview Analysis, Waste Management, Socioeconomic Impact Assessment, Data Collection Protocols.

Teaching & Mentorship

Curriculum Development, Student Mentorship, Inclusive Pedagogy, Theoretical & Practical Demonstrations, Environmental Education, Assessment Rubric Design.

Technical & GIS

Environmental Monitoring Tools, Remote Sensing Basics, Data Visualization (QGIS, ArcGIS Pro, TerrSet, ArcMap), GIS Mapping, Water Quality Analysis, Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs).

References

Lebohang Mavuso

Safety Manager, Ditshimega Projects and Training | Phone: 0125677831 | Email: lebohangm@ditshimega.co.za

Dr Anton de Wit

Line Manager, Nelson Mandela University | Phone: 0415042498 | Email: anton.dewit@mandela.ac.za

Kholofelo Mokau

Senior Assessment Officer, Varsity College (Sandton) | Phone: 0117846939 | Email: Kmokau@varsitycollege.co.za