Leader: Mandisa Mangqalaza
Contributed by Mandisa Mangqalaza
Name: Mandisa Sweetness Mangqalaza
Job: Director of the Working for Water Programme
Where do you work: Cape Town, South Africa
Area of expertise: Ecology
What inspires you in your work?
Achievement of set goals and doing beyond the set goals, meeting targets, the results of empowering previously disadvantaged groups, the upward mobility of a worker within and outside the Programme, the team efforts and research findings of the Programme.
Degree(s):
Master’s degree in Environmental Education, Certificate in Environmental Education and Certificate in Information Technology from Rhodes University in South Africa, Bachelor of Education and Bachelor of Arts from the University of Transkei in South Africa and Junior Secondary Teachers’ Certificate from Butterworth Training College.
What are the highlights of your career accomplishments?
I started working as a teacher at the age of nineteen at St. Cuthbert’s High School, became a Head of Department for Languages, then Humanities and later was acting Deputy Principal for six years. Next, I worked as Training and Social Development Officer in the Working for Water Programme, then Training and Social Development Coordinator, then worked in the Working for Wetlands National Training and Social Development. Most recently I am Director of the Working for Water Programme — so within a space of five years after leaving the teaching profession, I am working at the highest level of the Working for Water Programme.
Why is the Global Mediterranean Action Network exciting to you?
It enables me to network with people with the same climatic challenges whose experiences are relevant to our situation although they may not share the same social context. Also, because it is an information sharing network that opens doors for me to share, learn and emulate.
How did your early experiences in nature influence you?
My home village is near an indigenous forest, and I used to go there to pick up wild flowers and plant them. When I was not feeling happy I used to go sit on some rocks or big boulders in the jungle and think
What are your favorite species and/or landscapes?
From shrubs and tall trees — especially yellowwood — to mountains, gorges and flood plains.
Why are you passionate about conservation?
It enables me to manage my natural wealth and it fulfills me.
What gives you hope?
Looking at the Working for Water teams at work.
What activities do you enjoy in your spare time?
Being able to sit and work on my laptop if I am not traveling, driving around a natural environment, especially one with animals, and reading and praying.
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