RATSODO PHILLIP TSHIDZUMBA
Centurion
Summary
I am a dedicated academic with strength in teaching in subject of forestry and natural resource management, providing both practical and theoretical knowledge. Works with learners closely to develop vital and functional skills required to complete learning programs. Delivers excellent mentorship by supporting students from all backgrounds, abilities and aspirations to fulfill potential through learning. Dependable academic with years of experience in higher education space. Develops teaching and learning materials to support learner progression and achievement. Supervises Advanced Diploma, MSc and PhD in Forest Science students and advises on ways to shape ideas and conduct research. Qualified forester with extensive background in advanced management processes. Utilizes superior communication skills to build meaningful, trusting relationships that exceed client demands. Highly skilled project manager with outstanding team leadership abilities to meet targets consistently.
Overview
2026
2026
years of professional experience
Work History
Fort Cox Agriculture & Forestry Training Institute
02.2023 - Current
- Helping less experienced staff manage daily assignments
- Protecting and enhancing Institute reputation, promoting mission and values in all professional interactions
- Helping senior management plan and carry out daily operations and meet key objectives
- Supervising and delegating tasks to employees to meet key productivity targets
- Implementing strict quality standards for consistent Institute representation across multiple channels
- Maintaining positive, professional working environment to optimize staff and customer satisfaction
- Successfully Setup institutional domain handle emailing system and Moodle learning management system (LMS)
- Provide support to the institution's administration on student management information system
- I have assisted in putting together Institute’s ICT strategy to improve the network connectivity
- Forest21 project local coordinator
- Coordinate all the Forest21 project activities in the Institute and participate in project management workshops and meetings
- Plan and coordinate participation of the Institute in the student challenges as well as other workshops including problem-based learning (PBL), Entrepreneurship and Climate smart forestry
- Consolidate and submit institutional financial, traveling and staff participation report.
Extraordinary lecturer
University of Pretoria
07.2022 - Current
- Design, plan and facilitate lectures based on curriculum requirements and exams
- Create presentations to deliver lecture material in classroom and online learning environments
- Work independently and in collaboration with colleagues to submit proposals and bids for funding and scholarships to enrich student experience and education
- Contribute to compilation of publicity materials and attend promotional events to encourage and grow new student admissions
- Supervised student dissertations and projects, field trips and placements to gain insight into workplace and impart job experience
- Conduct individual and collaborative research projects to produce and publish articles in peer-reviewed journals (refer to research supervision experience section).
Head
Natural Resource Management, Fort Cox Agriculture & Forestry Training Institute
07.2005 - Current
- Conduct routine lecture assessments, verifying that they are following curriculums and guidelines
- Control departmental budgets on organizational systems, closely monitoring finances to avoid overspending
- Administer standardized tests and evaluated results to assess performance of students and teachers
- Manage department resources and learning, coordinating support for absent staff and replacement teachers and assisting with classroom allocations
- Monitor student performance, attendance, providing extra support and assistance to underachievers
- Guide and mentor newly qualified or newly hired academic staff, providing ongoing support and training to promote positive working relationships and optimum academic results
- Conduct general administration duties, including budget management and monitoring finances
- Manage the planning and operations of university department open days
- Improve course syllabus by incorporating student and teacher feedback into the development of courses
- Evaluate curriculum options and selected appropriate materials for classes
- Conducting disciplinary meetings with underachieving or failing students, providing appropriate solutions to improve student performance
- Identifying student potential and varying learning needs to provide all students with high-quality education and access to resources
- Monitoring and assessing classrooms activity and academics’ teaching methods, ensuring teaching met curriculum requirements
- Developing creative and engaging courses to advance student knowledge and learning experiences
- Assist in selection, recruitment and training of new staff members, providing necessary knowledge needed for successful career start
- Assess the onboarding of new students by communicating Institute rules, course syllabus and safety regulations
- Write semester reports on lecture assessments, department activity and curriculums to identify improvements or training required
- Keep current knowledge of applicable codes and required procedures to optimize learning environments
- Deliver trusted leadership and guidance to academic staff members and all students
- Expand programme outreach with community engagement strategies and talks to local groups including tree planting programme
- Perform lesson observations to measure teaching performance and provide constructive feedback
- Oversee management of educational facilities, arranging necessary maintenance and repairs
- Represent institution at external events to raise school's profile in wider community
- Establish and enforce modern educational standards to support student needs
- Set and enhance programme schedules to meet expected demands and enhance student learning opportunities
- Collaborate with academics to understand and improve classroom conditions
- Enhance academic operations by realigning procedures with changing trends in education
- Improve individual departments by working closely with Head of Departments to reorganize class loads, improve resource utilization and modernize equipment
- Constitute and facilitate the curriculum advisory committee for industry input and comments to improve the content offering
- I facilitate or lecture Forest Development, Forest Management, Forest Engineering 1, Forestry Engineering 2 and Forestry Engineering 3
- Other modules that I lectured to lecture include Forest Economics, Forest Botany and Fire Protection.
GUEST LECTURE
11.2020 - 01.2023
- I have presented a guest lecture virtually to the third-year students doing community forestry (FRST 370) module at the University of British Columbia in Canada based on my book chapter titled: Commercial timber plantations as a means to land and economic restitution in
- South Africa
- In J
- Bulkan, J
- Palmer, A
- M
- Larson, & M
- Hobley (Eds.), Handbook of Community Forestry
- Routledge
- In 2020 and 2021, I presented guest lecture to the Honours students doing Natural Woodland & Forests: Ecology & Management (BOT700) module at the University of Pretoria focusing on Socio-economic assessment using questionnaire surveys in assessing resource use and perceptions.
Acting ICT Assistant Manager
Fort Cox College of Agriculture and Forestry
02.2021 - 03.2021
- Evaluated assessments and assignments to identify areas for improvement and provide feedback to students and vocational faculty
- Responded to student enquiries and concerns to undertake action and suggest alternative avenues of support
- Prepared and adapted teaching materials including handouts, booklets and assessment papers to foster and support learning progress
- Worked independently and in collaboration with colleagues to submit proposals and bids for funding and scholarships to enrich student experience and education
- Contributed to compilation of publicity materials and attended promotional events to encourage and grow new student admissions
- Participated in outreach activities undertaken by department and Institute to promote and develop links with industry and community partners
- Built internal contacts and participated in external networks to exchange information and form relationships for future collaborations
- Conducted experiential learning placement and evaluation of students progress in the field.
Total Quality Assurance Manager
Fort Cox Agriculture and Forestry Training Institute
12.2018 - 07.2020
- Prepared and coached department heads on audit requirements by external auditors
- Adapted QA plans to meet the standard of regulatory requirements and internal business controls
- Collected and assessed the latest information about ongoing work and compliance issues
- Implemented targeted risk mitigation strategies to enhance and maintain exceptional service levels
- Coordinated and participated in internal and external quality management system audits to guarantee accreditation of programme offered by the Institute is maintained
- Monitored compliance with relevant safety laws and established quality standards, identifying and correcting deviations
- Collected and assessed latest information about ongoing work and compliance issues.
forestry lecturer
University of Venda
07.2011 - 12.2017
- Thohoyandou
- Planned and developed assignments based on lessons taught and student development required
- Designed, planned and taught lectures based on curriculum requirements and exams
- Held regular student meetings to communicate strengths, weaknesses and areas for learning development
- Selected innovative teaching methods to deliver course content
- Created presentations to deliver lecture material in classroom and online learning environments
- Marked and graded homework, assignments, papers and tests, providing constructive feedback to improve learning development
- Used diverse teaching methods, including lectures, presentations and class activities to deliver curriculum
- Planned and developed course curriculums based on government guidelines, trends and head of department input
- Developed tests and materials to assess and promote student learning objectives
- Evaluated assessments and assignments to identify areas for improvement and provide feedback to students and vocational faculty
- Built internal contacts and participated in external networks to exchange information and form relationships for future collaborations
- Worked independently and in collaboration with colleagues to submit proposals and bids for funding and scholarships to enrich student experience and education
- Supervised student dissertations and projects, field trips and placements to gain insight into workplace and impart job experience
- Prepared and adapted teaching materials including handouts, booklets and assessment papers to foster and support learning progress
- Responded to student enquiries and concerns to undertake action and suggest alternative avenues of support
- Sought ways to improve performance by reflecting on teaching design, obtaining feedback and incorporating findings into content delivery
- Collaborated with academic colleagues to develop new courses, incorporate curriculum changes and develop research activities
- I facilitated or lectured Forestry Engineering modules for both second and fourth year students
Acting Deputy Principal and Head of Academics
01.2014 - 06.2017
Fort Cox Agriculture & Forestry Training Institute
- 01.2009
- Provided support and guidance to newly hired graduate teachers, offering resources for effective classroom management
- Maintained accountability for developing and implementing curriculum strategy and updates
- Analyzed data and benchmarks to monitor student progress and address challenges
- Meticulously monitored classroom resources to reduce waste and foster top-quality learning experiences
- Modelled positive social and academic behaviour, promoting high expectations for all members of school community
- Oversaw staff curriculum planning, development and provision, maintaining solid students-centred focus
- Managed overall operation of all school events, day-to-day human resources issues and school premises activities
- Worked closely with school staff to determine worrying attendance records requiring review and action
- Coordinated students’ assessments, maintaining compliance with regulatory requirements and recordkeeping
- Conducted teacher performance reviews by assessing classroom activities and reviewing grades
- Provided guidance and leadership to teaching staff to facilitate high-quality academic standards
- Monitored students goal achievement and progress, addressing challenges with supplemental resources
- Leveraged excellent curriculum knowledge to encourage, engage and inspire students to achieve learning goals
- Supported administrators with strategic planning and policy formulation in alignment with Institute’s mission and values
- Attended training courses to stay abreast of trends in education and changing school or LEA requirements
- Heightened student development by staying up-to-date on latest teaching practices and curriculum developments
- Monitored teaching assistant performance, delegating tasks and monitoring performance to reduce inefficiencies
- Professionally resolved escalated behavioural issues with students and teachers, providing appropriate responses based on actions
- Maintained visible presence during school hours and extracurricular events to support students
- Evaluated staff performance, verifying adherence to curriculum standards and student progress benchmarks
- Advised on purchases of textbooks and technology for continuing academic programmes.
Lecturer
Forestry
08.2004 - 06.2005
Education
Doctor of Philosophy - Forest Science
University of Pretoria
01.2019
Master of Science - Agricultural Economics
University of Venda
Thohoyandou, Limpopo01.2008
Diploma - Project Management
Varsity College
Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape01.2005
Bachelor of Science - Forestry
University of Venda
Thohoyandou, Limpopo01.2002
Senior Certificate - Matric
Tshilogoni Secondary School
Dopeni, Limpopo Province01.1997
Postgraduate Diploma in Higher Education & Training - Education
University of Fort Hare
Alice, Eastern CapeSkills
- Curriculum development
- Student support
- Computer skills
- Website development and maintenance
- Online class discussion
- Research skills
- Leadership
- Conflict management
- Teamwork
- Communication
Languages proficiency
• Tshivenda - Speaking (Good), Writing (Good) and Reading (Good)
• English - Speaking (Good), Writing (Good) and Read (Good)
• Zulu - Speaking (Good), Writing (Fair) and Read (Fair)
• Swati - Speaking (Good), Writing (Fair) and Read (Fair)
• Pedi (Northern Sotho) - Speaking (Good), Writing (Fair) and Read (Fair)
• Southern Sotho - Speaking (Good), Writing (Fair) and Reading (Fair)
• Tswana - Speaking (Good), Writing (Fair) and Reading (Fair)
• Xhosa - Speaking (Good), Writing (Fair) and Reading (Fair)
• Tsonga - Speaking (Good), Writing (Fair) and Reading (Fair)
Affiliations
- Active Member, The South African Institute of Forestry
- Active Member, African Forest Forum
- Active Member, National Forestry Research Forum
- Active Member, Eastern Cape Forestry Forum
- SACNASP professional membership registration is in process (registration no. 153510)
Guest lecture experience
- 11/2020 - 11/2023, Presented a guest lecture virtually to the third-year students doing community forestry (FRST 370) module at the University of British Columbia in Canada based on my book chapter titled: Commercial timber plantations as a means to land and economic restitution in South Africa.
- 2020 - 2021, Presented guest lecture to the Honours students doing Natural Woodland & Forests: Ecology & Management (BOT700) module at the University of Pretoria focusing on Socio-economic assessment using questionnaire surveys in assessing resource use and perceptions.
Education record
- University of Pretoria, Pretoria, Gauteng, South Africa, Doctor of Philosophy, Forest Science, 2019, Evaluation of benefits of land restitution forest-based public-private partnership models in South Africa: A case study of Amabomvini and Cata communities
- University of Venda, Thohoyandou, Limpopo, South Africa, Master of Science in Agriculture, Agricultural Economics, 2008
- Varsity College, Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape, South Africa, Diploma, Project Management, 2005
- University of Venda, Thohoyandou, Limpopo, South Africa, Bachelor of Science, Forestry, 2002
- Tshilogoni Secondary School, Dopeni, Limpopo Province, South Africa, Senior Certificate, Matric, 1997
- University of Fort Hare, Alice, Eastern Cape, South Africa, Postgraduate Diploma in Higher Education & Training, 2024
Education Assessment and Moderation,
Facilitation of Learning
Higher Education and Training Context and Evaluation as Action Research
Supervision of Research in Higher Education and Training
Curriculum Development,
Technology Enhanced Learning,
Portfolio Integration
Skillsandvalues
Curriculum development, Student support, Computer skills, Website development and maintenance, Online class discussion, Research skills, Leadership, Conflict management, Teamwork, Communication, Integrity, Dedicated, Hardworking, Professionalism, Honesty, Accountability, Responsible, Supportive
Conference papers
- Are communities benefitting from land reform models?, Tshidzumba R.P., Chirwa, P.W., Babalola, F.D., Seventh Forest Science Symposium, 07/18/2017 - 07/20/2017, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa
- The Implications of forest-based public-private partnership in South Africa, Tshidzumba R.P., Chirwa, P.W., Babalola, F.D., Traditional Leadership Development Training Workshop Programme, 09/11/2017 - 09/15/2017, Zororo lodge, Dalmada, Polokwane, South Africa
- Evaluation of benefits of land restitution forest-based public-private partnership models in South Africa, Tshidzumba R.P., Chirwa, P.W., Babalola, F.D., Forestry Industrialization Conference, 10/04/2017 - 10/05/2017, Kempton Park, South Africa
- Assessment of factors affecting participation of community beneficiaries in forest-based land reform public-private partnership models in South Africa, Tshidzumba R.P., Chirwa, P.W., Babalola, F.D., XXV IUFRO World Congress, 09/29/2019 - 10/05/2019, Colombo, Brazil
- Assessment of potential socioeconomic impact of introducing multipurpose trees and agroforestry systems in rural communities of KwaZulu-Natal in South Africa, Pokwana, S., Tshidzumba R.P., Chirwa, P.W., XXV IUFRO World Congress, 09/29/2019 - 10/05/2019, Colombo, Brazil
- The potential of introducing multipurpose trees in the rural landscapes of KwaZulu Natal, South Africa, Pokwana, S., Tshidzumba R.P., Chirwa, P.W., Babalola, F.D., 4th Agroforestry World Congress, 05/20/2021 - 05/22/2021, Montpellier, France
Research publications
- Conservation of Tree Species Richness in a Traditional Agroforestry Landscape in the Vhembe Biosphere Reserve, South Africa, Makhubele, L., Chirwa, P.W., Sheppard, J.P., Tshidzumba, R.P., Araia, M.G., Kahle, H.P., 2022, Forests, 13, 11, 1766
- What benefit-sharing mechanisms can help forestry-based land restitution beneficiaries in South Africa?, Makhubele, L., Tshidzumba, R.P., Chirwa, P.W., 2022, Submitted to: Forest, Trees and Livelihoods
- Forest-based land reform partnerships in rural development and the sustenance of timber markets., Tshidzumba, R.P., Chirwa, P.W., 2022, Submitted to: Forest Policy and Economics Journal
- Communities' perceptions of benefit-sharing mechanisms for forest-based land reform models in South Africa, Ratsodo Phillip Tshidzumba, Paxie W Chirwa, Folaranmi D Babalola, 2018, Southern Forests: a Journal of Forest Science, 10.2989/20702620.2018.1463190
- Are Communities Benefiting from Land Reform Models?, Ratsodo Phillip Tshidzumba, Paxie W Chirwa, Folaranmi D Babalola, 2018, International Forest Review Journal, 20, 2, 220-235
- What are the Alternative Options for Diversifying Land Use under Forestry Land Restitution?, Makhubele, L., Tshidzumba, R.P., Chirwa, P.W., 2020, Journal of Sustainable Forestry, 1-18
- Evaluating the potential of introducing multipurpose tree species in the rural landscapes of Weza, Ugu District municipality, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, Pokwana, S., Tshidzumba, R.P., Chirwa, P.W., 2021, Trees, Forests and People, 3, 100055
- Key drivers of LULCC in co-managed and government managed forest reserves in Malawi (1999–2018), Gondwe, M.F.K., Chirwa, P.W.C., Cho, M.A., Geldenhuys, C.J., Tshidzumba, R.P., 2022, International Forest Review Journal, 24, 1, 1-14
Book chapter
Tshidzumba, R.P., Clarke, J. and Chirwa, P.W., 2022. Commercial timber plantations as a means to land and economic restitution in South Africa. In Routledge Handbook of Community Forestry (pp. 103-119). Routledge.
Chirwa, P.W., Kozanayi, W., Uisso, A.J., Tshidzumba, R.P., Babalola, F.D. and Amusa, T.O., 2024. Socio-economic Factors, Policy and Governance Systems Influencing Multifunctional Landscapes. In Trees in a Sub-Saharan Multi-functional Landscape: Research, Management, and Policy (pp. 305-327). Cham: Springer Nature Switzerland.
Professional services performed
- Participated in the development of unit standards for the forestry industry as a member of the standard generating body (SGB) in 2006.
- Performed rapporteur duties during the Webinar on 'Achieving sustainable forest management through research and development in SADC', CCARDESA Forestry Symposium Webinar, 11/17/2021 - 11/18/2021.
- Performed rapporteur during the International Forest Day, Forests and Education Symposium, 03/18/2019, University of Pretoria (Hatfield), Future Africa Conference Centre, Pretoria.
- Serve as a chairperson of the Fort Cox Agriculture and Forestry Training Institute research committee.
- Participated in the curriculum development of forestry technician NQF level 5 qualification commissioned by Quality Council of Trade and Occupation earmarked for the foreman and supervisors in the forestry industry.
- In 2021, participated in the development of four forestry modules for Tshwane University of Technology Higher Certificate in Forestry Management.
Research supervision experience
- Assessment of shattered forestry land reform projects due to non-implementation of post-settlement support: the case of Gert Sibande district in Mpumalanga province., Dr. Ratsodo Phillip TSHIDZUMBA, Prof. Paxie W. CHIRWA, 2023, University of Pretoria
- Comparison of roles played by forestry companies in the rural livelihoods: a case study of Piet Retief, Mpumalanga Province of South Africa., Dr. Ratsodo Phillip TSHIDZUMBA, Prof. Paxie W. CHIRWA, 2023, University of Pretoria
- Investigation of desirable land claimant benefit-sharing mechanism in forestry restitution projects in Livubu and Tzaneen in Limpopo province, South Africa., 2019, University of Pretoria
- The potential of introducing multi-purpose trees in the rural landscape of KwaZulu-Natal., 2019, University of Pretoria
- Investigating the value of forest resources in the livelihood of local communities of Eastern Cape., Current, University of Pretoria
- Evaluating the influence of plantation forests on the livelihood of nearby community inhabitants in Vhembe District, Limpopo Province, South Africa., Current, University of Pretoria
- Determining the survival rate of the trees and ecosystem services benefit in the government championed greening program: the case study of Kouga & Mbhashe local municipality., Current, University of Pretoria
- Investigating the driving factors contributing to forestry small-medium enterprise contractor's success and failure in South Africa., Current, University of Pretoria
- The effectiveness of post settlement model in natural resource management land restitution project., 2022, Fort Cox Agriculture and Forestry Training Institute
- Assessing the challenges faced by female foresters in plantation forestry: A case study of Piet Retief town, Mpumalanga province., 2022, Fort Cox Agriculture and Forestry Training Institute
- Assessing the utilization of non-timber forest product from the indigenous forest focusing on law enforcement and compliance: A case study of Magangeni community, Limpopo province., 2023, Fort Cox Agriculture and Forestry Training Institute
- Growth comparison of Pinus patula in delineated and un-delineated areas at Witklip forest, Mpumalanga province., 2023, Fort Cox Agriculture and Forestry Training Institute
Technical research report
Conducted a research study for African Forest Forum assessing the potential of African countries for the production and use of liquid biofuels as a strategy for developing green and circular economies in southern Africa focusing on the South Africa country study., Identifying organization that are producing liquid biofuels and collect data collection using customized questionnaire, perform statistical analysis and writing up a technical research report., Data collection was conducted during the Covid-19 pandemic lockdown using virtual platforms.
Extramural activities
Playing and coaching Volleyball
References
- Prof Paxie Chirwa, Director of Forestry Postgraduate Programme, University of Pretoria, 0680994844, paxie.chirwa@up.ac.za
- Ms Moneri Mogale, Total Quality Assurance Manager and Acting Deputy Principal and Head of Academics, Fort Cox Agriculture and Forestry Training Institute, 0825797330, mmogale@fortcox.ac.za, monerimvundlela@gmail.com
- Mr. Norman Dlamini, Director: Business Development, Forestry South Africa, 0810170978, norman@forestrysouthafrica.co.za
- Dr Blessing Karumbidza, Director: Business Development, Forestry South Africa, 0810170978, karumbidzab@tut.ac.za
Timeline
Fort Cox Agriculture & Forestry Training Institute
02.2023 - Current
Extraordinary lecturer
University of Pretoria
07.2022 - Current
Acting ICT Assistant Manager
Fort Cox College of Agriculture and Forestry
02.2021 - 03.2021
GUEST LECTURE
11.2020 - 01.2023
Total Quality Assurance Manager
Fort Cox Agriculture and Forestry Training Institute
12.2018 - 07.2020
Acting Deputy Principal and Head of Academics
01.2014 - 06.2017
forestry lecturer
University of Venda
07.2011 - 12.2017
Head
Natural Resource Management, Fort Cox Agriculture & Forestry Training Institute
07.2005 - Current
Lecturer
Forestry
08.2004 - 06.2005
Doctor of Philosophy - Forest Science
University of Pretoria
Master of Science - Agricultural Economics
University of Venda
Diploma - Project Management
Varsity College
Bachelor of Science - Forestry
University of Venda
Senior Certificate - Matric
Tshilogoni Secondary School
Postgraduate Diploma in Higher Education & Training - Education
University of Fort Hare
Fort Cox Agriculture & Forestry Training Institute
- 01.2009
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