Tebogo Maleka
Environmentalist
Tebogo Maleka, 35, says her passion for environmental and social change is what fuels her commitment to helping young girls succeed in science. She is a PHD candidate at the University of Johannesburg with a research topic that focuses on quantifying and examining the removal efficiency of microplastics in South Africa’s municipal wastewater treatment plants.
“Also, there is always concern regarding the environment and how it can affect human health mentally and physically,” she explains. “Being able to provide solutions to complex environmental problems is what makes this field of science exciting for me.” An established industry professional in environmental sustainability, Maleka’s key interest is on primary environmental challenges affecting South Africa’s freshwater ecosystems and building resilience while adapting to adverse effects of climate change.
She is currently employed at the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation. In February she was awarded the United Nations Lion Award for outstanding leadership at the United Nations Resident Coordinator Recognition awards. “In 2020 I was appointed as the Technical Focal Point for the United Nations Climate Resilience and Sustainably Managed Natural Resources steering committee,” she adds.
Maleka works directly with about 4 000 street waste-pickers from various rural and township communities across the country and plays a key role in coordinating programmes that increase wastepickers’ income by building up capacities for plastics recycling in South Africa.
Life for me is a continuous learning experience and I’ve learned the art of having a flexible approach to life