Upcoming Events For 2025
Event Speakers & Guests
Mpendulo is the Head: Safety Health, Environment and Quality (SHEQ) & Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) at Mintek. Her Expertise are in the areas of Sustainability, Climate Change, Quality and Risk Management. She is the current Chair of the International Solid Waste Association (ISWA) Regional Chapter Advisory Board, Non-Executive Director at Circular Energy Producer Responsibility Organization (PRO) and Past President of the Institute of Waste Management Southern Africa. She is a Professional Natural Scientist and Certified laboratory analyst with a proven track record of successful implementation and maintenance of ISO9001, ISO14001, ISO45001 and ISO17025 management system. Mpendulo attained a Masters and Honours degree in Sustainable Development Management and Planning from Stellenbosch University. She also earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics and Chemistry from the University of ESwatini.
Prof. Suzan Oelofse earned her Ph.D. in 1994 and spent a decade in government before joining the CSIR in 2006 as a waste management expert. She's a registered Professional Natural Scientist with the South African Council for Natural Scientific Professions in Environmental Science. She is Principal Researcher in the Sustainability, Economics and Waste Research Group, an Extra-ordinary Professor at North-West University, and was President of the Institute of Waste Management of Southern Africa (2013-2016). Her expertise spans South Africa's waste management frameworks, waste data, environmental impact reduction, circular economy, and sustainable consumption. Prof. Oelofse's research is widely published, and she is a regular invited speaker at scientific events.
Dr. Bambesiwe Mbesi May is a Post-Doctoral Researcher at Stellenbosch University's Department of Earth Sciences, working within the African Rainbow Minerals Geo metallurgy Research Chair. Her Ph.D. involved developing sustainable nanocomposites to detect and remove heavy metals from industrial wastewaters, sparking her interest in environmental and industrial waste management. She has worked as a Geochemist at Digby Wells Environmental, specializing in geochemical and waste assessments. At Mintek, she led projects on detecting emerging contaminants, precious metal recovery, and optical nano-sensors. Her expertise spans analytical chemistry, mineral recovery, and pollutant sensing. Recognized for her leadership, Dr. May attended the 2024 Mandela Washington Fellowship and the 73rd Lindau Nobel Laureate Meeting. She received the 2023 DSI South African Women in Science Award in the Doctoral fellowship category. Her research focuses on environmental geochemistry, industrial waste beneficiation, and circular economy.
Dr. Gamuchirai Mutezo is the founder of Madam Waste, an African female-owned urban energy planning firm in Johannesburg and Kigali. Embracing circular economy principles, Madam Waste treats waste as a resource, offering strategic consulting, green design thinking workshops, knowledge-sharing podcasts, and waste valorisation demonstrations. With over 14 years of experience in entrepreneurship, renewable energy, and applied research, Dr. Mutezo focuses on decentralising energy access in African cities through anaerobic digestion. She holds degrees in Town and Regional Planning (University of Pretoria), Energy Poverty and Development (University of Cape Town), Project Management (University of South Africa), and Urban Biogas and Circular Economy (University of the Witwatersrand). Dr. Mutezo is a member of the African Circular Business Alliance, African Circular Economy Network, and South African Biogas Industry Association.
Miss Mbali Zwane is the acting programme manager for resource efficiency and circular economy at the University of Johannesburg's Process Energy and Environmental Technology Station (UJ PEETS). Funded by the Department of Science, Innovation and Technology, UJ PEETS supports green economy SMEs with subsidized engineering services. Mbali holds a master's degree in environmental management from the University of Johannesburg, with a focus on circular economy principles in e-waste management. She is currently pursuing a PhD in environmental management, concentrating on sustainable end-of-life options for Solar PV modules in South Africa.
Ms. Sibongile Mavimbela is the Senior Program Officer for Environment and Climate Change at the SADC Secretariat, focusing on sustainable environmental management for socio-economic development. With over 20 years of experience in climate change, green economy, blue economy, and more, she has extensive expertise in various environmental issues. She has worked in international and diplomatic relations for over 12 years with the South African Government and SADC, managing environment and climate change in 16 countries. Holding a master's degree in environmental sciences, Ms. Mavimbela has strong networks with international organizations, political entities, faith groups, and community organizations. She is a leader in women’s environmental movements and serves on various NGO boards. Ms. Mavimbela is also a facilitator, negotiator, and coach, and has co-chaired Gender and Climate Change under the UNFCCC.
Siphesihle Cedric Nsibandze, a visionary in environmental and public health, has revolutionized Eswatini’s waste management by turning challenges into opportunities. Starting as an Assistant Public Health Inspector, he gained international expertise at Interwaste South Africa. He founded Eclipse Environmental Solutions, Eswatini’s leading waste management company, driving the nation towards a circular economy. As Deputy Mayor of Matsapha Town Council, Siphesihle champions urban development and sustainability policies. His roles in ISWA ARC, IWMSA, and IFAT Africa 2025 shape Africa’s waste management future. Siphesihle’s commitment to transforming waste into a resource fuels economic prosperity and environmental resilience in Eswatini and beyond.
For Musa Sibandze, environmental health is a mission. From a graduate trainee at Conco Coca-Cola Eswatini to Chief Health Inspector at the Municipal Council of Manzini, his journey showcases dedication and resilience. Musa gained expertise in compliance, safety, and sustainability, rising through ranks to lead policy development and waste management at Matsapha Town Council. As Chief Health Inspector, he drives initiatives in waste management, public health policy, and environmental sustainability. His leadership extends beyond his role, advocating for sustainable waste practices. Musa shapes Eswatini’s future, ensuring cleaner, healthier cities. At the Eswatini Waste Seminar 2025, he will share insights on urban waste management and circular economy.
Susan Kone is the founder and Managing Director of PWK Waste Management and Recycling, dedicated to sustainable waste disposal and landfill diversion. With a BTech degree from Durban University of Technology, Susan is an expert in environmental management and waste disposal processes. She is a recognized leader in the waste management industry, advocating for eco-friendly solutions to electronic waste challenges. Beyond her professional work, Susan is committed to community engagement, serving on various committees and boards, including the Univen Vhembe Alumnae Chapter, the Litshani Vhana Vhade Foundation, and the Vuwani Art of Knowledge Community Library, to empower local communities.
Ms. Phindile Chili, born in Durban, South Africa, is the Manager of the Business Solutions and Advisory Services at the South African Bureau of Standards (SABS) in Pretoria. She oversees the SABS Training Academy and Advisory Services, demonstrating her expertise as a SHEQ Professional, Natural Scientist, SAATCA Registered Auditor, Management Systems Implementer, Training Facilitator, and External Moderator at Tshwane University of Technology (TUT). Her qualifications include National Diploma in Analytical Chemistry (Mangosuthu University of Technology), B.Tech in Quality (Durban University of Technology); BSc in Environmental Management, Chemistry stream (UNISA); BSc Honors in Technology Management (University of Pretoria); Post Graduate Certificate in Management Development (UNISA); master's in management sciences (Durban University of Technology); Currently pursuing a Bachelor of Laws degree, Ms. Chili has over 20 years of diverse experience and promotes compliance with South African National Standards. In 2020, she published a scientific paper with IntechOpen. Throughout her career, she has assisted SMMEs with valuable knowledge and awareness of standards in their businesses.
Vimbai Kapurura is the Founder and Executive Director of Women Unlimited Eswatini, leading innovative waste management initiatives that integrate environmental sustainability with economic empowerment. Under her leadership, Women Unlimited co-hosts the Annual Waste Indaba with the Eswatini Environment Authority, a platform driving policy discussions on single use plastics bans, End Producer Responsibility (EPR), and traditional waste management solutions. She has engaged youth, schools, and grassroots entrepreneurs in waste-to-craft and recycling projects, turning waste into economic opportunities while advocating for women's leadership in environmental sustainability. Through strategic engagement with different stakeholders in the country and Southern Africa region, Vimbai champions policy-driven and community-led waste solutions that align with national and global climate goals. Her expertise in climate resilience, peacebuilding, and humanitarian action underpins Women Unlimited. Triple Nexus Approach, ensuring waste management is not just an environmental challenge but an opportunity for economic growth and social.
Mancoba Zwane is the lead SHERQ Specialist who has worked for over 18 years on Safety, Health, Environment, Risk and Quality Management Systems. Mancoba Zwane is an executive manager with Eswatini’s biggest industrial estate Municipality and is very passionate about promoting innovative, creative and practical experience on problem solving to bring a positive culture in area of SHERQ sustainability. Mancoba has worked as a competent executive manager in number of the leading organizations of the country responsible for risk management, waste management, environmental health management and auditing, open spaces management, and general biodiversity upkeep. He possesses a proven track record of preparing and executing effective and efficient strategies, quality project management, and other research programmes in the areas of SHERQ management. Mancoba is a certified IRCA lead auditor for Quality management system (ISO 9001) and a qualified lead auditor and trainer for Environmental management systems (ISO 14001) and Occupational health management systems (ISO 45001). Mancoba has handled over 60 Fatal incidents investigations making him master the skill and the fundamental science of comprehensive and forensic SHERQ investigations where needed. Such experience has promoted the vigilance of classic SHERQ management systems that enhance preventative actions. Matsapha holds a BSc Degree in Environmental Health Management, MPH from UKZN, and Postgraduate Management Certificate from University of Stellenbosch.
Mabila Roy holds a BSc in Environmental Health Sciences. He is also a qualified Hazardous waste Manager and Landfill Manager. He has served as Managing Director in a Waste Management Company for a period of six (6) years, winning Entreprenuer of the Year and Most Innovative Business Awards. His experience includes developing and implementing an Integrated Waste Management Program for an airport in line with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards. He is an award winner for Eswatini National Representative in the 2020 Entrepreneurship World Cup. He has participated in the development of Eswatini Waste Management Standard (SZNS 074:2023) and has made successful presentations on Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR). He has also participated in various consultancies, the development of the following; Recycling Policy and Strategic Action Plan for Matsapha Town Council, final project evaluation report for World Vision Swaziland’s “Support to Sanitation and Hygiene for Siphofaneni, Somntongo and Matsanjeni (SISOMA)”, a project, Mid-Term Evaluation Report for the Mbabane Dry Sanitation and Waste Management project, a project implemented jointly by Green Living Movement Swaziland, University of Swaziland and Turku University of Applied Sciences. He is the current serving Chairperson of the Technical Committeee of the Institute of Waste Management Eswatini (IWME). He also serves as a member of the Technical & Research Committtee for the International Solid Waste Association African Regional Chapter (ISWA ARC).
Dr Alfred Francis Murye is a senior lecturer at the University of Eswatini, Faculty of Health Sciences, and Department of Environmental Health Science. He is a holder of a BSc with double major in Applied Environmental Science and Biology from the National University of Lesotho. He also holds an MSc and a PhD in Environmental Management both from the University of the Free State. Dr Murye has a twenty years’ experience in teaching, researching and publishing in the field of Environmental Management. Over the past twenty years, Dr Murye has taught several courses ranging from Environmental Chemistry, Environmental Pollution, Environmental Impact Assessment and Auditing, Environmental Ecology, Environmental Physics, Physics for health sciences, Sustainable Development, and Environmental Toxicology. His current research interests are in Climate Change, Integrated waste management, Biodiversity, and Renewable Energy.
Bonginkosi Godfrey Makhathini is currently a director of 3 Entities, with a 3 Year Diploma in Company Administration. His previous employment includes several years in the Banking Sector as well as at the South African Revenue Services. He has acquired much skills in various sectors of Business not limiting himself to what he has studied, and his exposure has allowed him a greater vision in the scope of Business Practice. This foundation birthed NNK Logistics, which then expanded into Makhathini Medical Waste. Due to the skills and experience gained over the years, he is seeing the fruits of his labor develop rapidly. He is happily married with 3 beautiful children, with his eldest taking a keen interest in Business overseeing the
Neliswa Vilane pursued her higher education at the University of Eswatini, where she obtained a bachelor’s degree in environmental. Her studies equipped her with a robust understanding of ecological systems and the critical importance of sustainable practices in preserving natural resources. Fueled by her academic background and personal convictions, Neliswa is deeply passionate about environmental issues. She believes that individuals and communities play a crucial role in protecting the planet and advocates for responsible stewardship of natural resources. Her commitment to sustainability is reflected in her daily life, as she actively seeks ways to promote environmental awareness and responsible practices
Philile Patience Magagula just finished her degree in Environmental Health and Food Science at the University of Eswatini Faculty of Health Sciences. She was specializing in food sciences and is expected to graduate in October 2025. Throughout her academic journey, she has demonstrated a strong dedication to learning and has finished her research that looked at assessing hygiene indicators in the production of leafy vegetables by small scale farmers in Malkerns Valley. Beyond academics, Philile actively participates in various extracurricular activities, showcasing her leadership abilities and commitments to personal growth. Some notable involvements include being a member of the Man and Biosphere (MAB) Youth Network organization under UNESCO she was one of the organizers of the Walk for the Sustainable Development Goals in Tikhuba under the Lubombo region. She was also a member of the Environmental Health Student Association (EHSA) Mbabane Campus and The Rotaract Club of Uneswa Mbabane Campus. She also participated in an ISWA 2024 waste to wealth solutions for sustainable future abstract writing competition under the Enactus Mbabane Philile Patience Magagula just finished her degree in Environmental Health and Food Science at the University of Eswatini Faculty of Health Sciences. She was specializing in food sciences and is expected to graduate in October 2025. Throughout her academic journey, she has demonstrated a strong dedication to learning and has finished her research that looked at assessing hygiene indicators in the production of leafy vegetables by small scale farmers in Malkerns Valley. Beyond academics, Philile actively participates in various extracurricular activities, showcasing her leadership abilities and commitments to personal growth. Some notable involvements include being a member of the Man and Biosphere (MAB) Youth Network organization under UNESCO she was one of the organizers of the Walk for the Sustainable Development Goals in Tikhuba under the Lubombo region. She was also a member of the Environmental Health Student Association (EHSA) Mbabane Campus and The Rotaract Club of Uneswa Mbabane Campus. She also participated in an ISWA 2024 waste to wealth solutions for sustainable future abstract writing competition under the Enactus Mbabane
Fezile Ndlovu pursued higher education at the University of Eswatini, where they enrolled in a Bachelor of Nursing Science (BNsc) program specializing in Mental Health and is an environmental advocate. This choice is a dedication to addressing critical issues in mental health and environmental sustainability, demonstrating a commitment to improving both individual well-being and the health.
Nchubeko Dlamini is a third-year student currently pursuing a Bachelor of Science in environmental health science in the University of eSwatini at Mbabane Campus. I am passionate about sustainable practices and entrepreneurship skills; I actively participate in research programs that focuses on catalyzing young people to take entrepreneurial action.
Mduduzi is a Chemical Engineering and Maths & Chemistry degrees holder with a post graduate Diploma in Water and Environmental Management Engineering, a candidate Project Manager practicing Environmental Engineer and a Greenhouse gases Inventory Specialists under the waste sector with Eswatini Environment Authority. Mduduzi has more than twenty (20) years of experience in environmental management with various organizations in Programme and Project Development and Implementation; Strategy Development and Implementation; Environmental Pollution Prevention & Control Compliance, Monitoring and Evaluation having worked with Schools both as a teacher and as a schools water and sanitation officer with UNICEF and FAO. Mduduzi has worked as Environment Inspector under Air Pollution Prevention & Control within an industrial urban space, Health Safety & Environment Officer in the mining sector and currently Chemicals and Waste Management withing the national environmental agency.
Mxolisi Maphanga is a visionary environmental leader whose career spans waste operations to national environmental regulation, driving Eswatini’s transition to sustainability. Starting as Marketing Officer, Facilitator, and SHEQ Officer at Hydro Sebenza, he honed his skills in sales, training, and environmental health. After earning his Master’s degree from Taipei Medical University, he became Landfill Manager at Eclipse Environmental Solutions, later rising to Operations Manager. His technical expertise led him to roles as Assistant Environmental Inspector at Matsapha Town Council and Chief Environmental Health Officer at the Municipal Council of Mbabane, implementing waste management reforms and sustainability programs. Currently, as Director of Environmental Assessment and Compliance at the Eswatini Environment Authority, he shapes national policies and ensures regulatory compliance. At the Eswatini Waste Management Seminar 2025, Mxolisi will share his insights on achieving true sustainability, reflecting his relentless drive and bold vision for Eswatini’s environmental future.