ArcGIS
Cebolakhe Zola
Waste & Environmental Management Specialist
Durban,KwaZulu-Natal
Overview
6
6
years of professional experience
7
7
years of post-secondary education
3
3
Languages
Work History
Waste Management Coordinator
South Group Recycling
Durban, KwaZulu-Natal
04.2024 - 11.2025
- Established partnerships with community organizations to promote responsible waste management practices within the local area.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to identify opportunities for process improvements related to waste handling procedures.
- Coordinated with external vendors for cost-effective recycling and disposal services.
- Conducted thorough assessments of company''s waste streams to determine the most efficient methods of disposal or recycling.
Waste Management Specialist
eThekwini Municipality (Cleansing and Solid Waste Unit)
Durban
10.2022 - 02.2024
- Develop and implement comprehensive waste management plans to promote waste management practices and minimize environmental impact.
- Facilitating waste management programs to educate different sectors of community about proper waste management practices.
- Conduct waste audits and analyze data to identify opportunities for waste reduction and recycling improvement.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams/stakeholders to promote waste reduction initiatives and provide training to staff on proper waste disposal practices.
- Ensure compliance with local, state, and national environmental management regulations, and manage reporting requirements.
- Developed comprehensive training programs for new employees to ensure consistency in waste management practices across the organization.
- Oversaw site remediation projects involving contaminated soil or groundwater cleanup, protecting public health and environmental quality in surrounding areas.
- Managed contracts with external waste haulers, ensuring competitive pricing and consistent service levels throughout the organization.
- Reduced landfill waste by promoting recycling initiatives and educating employees on proper waste separation techniques.
Environmental Management Consultant (Intern)
Zamkro Construction (Pty), Ltd
Durban
09.2020 - 09.2022
- Ensure compliance with local and national environmental management regulations.
- Conduct regular audits to assess and maintain compliance while being updated on changes in environmental legislation.
- Conduct Environmental Management Assessments (EIAs) for proposed projects and identifying potential environmental risks and develop sustainable mitigation strategies.
- Develop and implement waste management programs.
Monitor waste disposal practices to minimize environmental impact. - Implement measures to improve water and air quality.
Conduct regular sampling and analysis. - Develop, implement, and maintain Environmental Management System (EMS) in line with ISO standards.
Monitor and report on the effectiveness of the EMS. - Advise on eco-friendly practices and technologies.
- Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders and communicating environmental policies and practices.
- Respond to inquiries and address concerns related to environmental matters.
- Conduct training sessions on environmental best practices.
Prepare and submit environmental reports to regulatory bodies. - Maintain accurate records of environmental data and incidents.
- Develop and implement emergency response plans for environmental incidents.
- Conduct research to support decision-making and policy development.
- Analyze data to identify areas for improvement in environmental management.
Residence Assistant
University of KwaZulu-Natal
01.2020 - 01.2022
- Assisted students with transitioning into new living environment and maintained strong relationships with students.
- Conceptualize, plan and execute students' developmental programs.
- Monitor and evaluate all implemented programs, and report to the senior management.
- Conduct a survey with all faculties to identify all residence students at academic risk and have groups and one-on-one discussions, and later do the referrals to student services for assistance, e.g. student counseling.
- Initiated student development programs (academic, social, financial, cultural, and safety).
- Identify and ensure programs, services, and activities that prepare the first-year students for success, promoting the safety of members and the quality of programs at all times.
- Provide guidance and role modeling to mentors and students.
- Initiating new and creative program activities to promote and stimulate program participation.
- Monitoring and evaluation of program achievement against target goals, recommending modifications that respond to member needs and interests, and participating in weekly staff meetings.
- Ensure a healthy and safe environment, supervising project team: mentors.
- Manage facilities and ensure a productive environment, maintaining an inventory of all program equipment and supplies in good order.
- Hold house meetings a minimum of 3 times per semester and participate in training workshops and awareness programs
- Execute fire drills and emergency evacuation procedures and provide assistance to students during medical emergencies.
- Fostered a sense of belonging among residents by creating opportunities for meaningful connections.
- Ensured a safe living environment by conducting regular room inspections and reporting maintenance issues.
- Collaborated with fellow Residence Assistants to create cohesive programming for overall hall improvements.
- Enhanced time management skills through juggling multiple responsibilities such as event planning, crisis response, and administrative tasks.
Education
Master Of Town And Regional Planning - Town & Regional Planning
University of KwaZulu-Natal
Durban, South Africa 01.2023 - Current
Bachelor Of Social Science Honours - Population Studies
University of KwaZulu-Natal
Durban 01.2021 - 12.2021
Bachelor Of Social Science - Geography & Environmental Management
University of KwaZulu-Natal
01.2018 - 12.2020
Skills
Environmental management
Waste Minimization
Microsoft word, excel & PowerPointStakeholder EngagementEnvironmental Impact Assessments (EIA)
Environmental Management Systems (EMS)
Waste Management Regulatory Compliance
Service delivery orientation
Water and Air Quality Monitoring
Hazardous Waste Management
Environmental Compliance
Recycling
Project Management
Environmental Reporting
Communication
Planning and organizing
Team orientation
Conceptual thinking
GIS & Remote Sensing
Personal Information
- Place of Birth: South Africa
- Date of Birth: 06/25/96
Roles And Responsibilities
- Develop and implement waste management plans to minimize waste going to the landfill.
- Work with community stakeholders to develop plans that align with community goals and values and incorporate community feedback.
- Develop plans for the preservation and conservation of natural resources, including open spaces, parks, and wetlands.
- Use GIS software and other mapping tools to conduct spatial analysis, identify patterns, and assess the impact of sustainable development.
- Present planning proposals and plans to community groups, boards, and committees.
- Conduct environmental assessments and prepare reports on the potential impact of proposed developments on the environment.
- Assess the environmental risks associated with the storage, handling, and disposal of hazardous materials.
- Develop and implement environmental management plans to minimize the impact of industrial activities on the environment.
- Conduct environmental sampling and analysis to identify and quantify environmental contaminants and their impacts.
- Prepare and present technical reports and proposals to clients and regulatory agencies.
- Develop strategies to remediate environmental hazards and oversee the implementation of remediation plans.
- Work collaboratively with interdisciplinary teams, including engineers, scientists, and legal professionals, to address complex environmental issues.
Software
Google Earth Pro
AutoCAD
References
- Mzamo Gwacela 0710802484 South Group Recycling
- Noxolo Mcobongwana 031 322 0781 / 078 350 0862 noxolo.mcobongwana@durban.gov.za eThekwini Municipality
- Nokwazi Benede 078 878 1109 / 031 322 0784 Nokwazi.benede@durban.gov.za eThekwini Municipality
- Mthokozisi Magcaba 0783444431 Magcabacm@gmail.com Zamkro Construction
- Bhekani Nzimande 0648734744 / 0312601058 NZIMANDEB@ukzn.ac.za University of KwaZulu-Natal
Work Availability
monday
tuesday
wednesday
thursday
friday
saturday
sunday
morning
afternoon
evening
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Timeline
Waste Management Coordinator
South Group Recycling
04.2024 - 11.2025
Master Of Town And Regional Planning - Town & Regional Planning
University of KwaZulu-Natal
01.2023 - Current
Waste Management Specialist
eThekwini Municipality (Cleansing and Solid Waste Unit)
10.2022 - 02.2024
Bachelor Of Social Science Honours - Population Studies
University of KwaZulu-Natal
01.2021 - 12.2021
Environmental Management Consultant (Intern)
Zamkro Construction (Pty), Ltd
09.2020 - 09.2022
Residence Assistant
University of KwaZulu-Natal
01.2020 - 01.2022
Bachelor Of Social Science - Geography & Environmental Management
University of KwaZulu-Natal
01.2018 - 12.2020