Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Awards And Interests
Short Courses And Training
References
Timeline
Generic

Thendo Mathivha

Laboratory Technician
Kraaifontein

Summary

Certificated Natural Scientist (SACNASP) specializing in water resource management, hydrobiology, and water quality analysis. MSc in Integrated Water Resource Management (Cum Laude) with BSc Honours degrees in Geology and Geohydrology. Experience in ISO/IEC 17025-accredited hydrobiology laboratory at the City of Cape Town, contributing to SASS5 assessments, pollution control, and compliance monitoring. Skilled in leading field research campaigns on groundwater-surface water interaction studies, managing procurement, sampling logistics, stakeholder coordination, and data reporting. Passionate about applying integrated approaches to water planning and excelling in multidisciplinary environments merging science, infrastructure, and social impact.

Overview

12
12
years of professional experience
6
6
years of post-secondary education

Work History

Laboratory Technician

City of Cape Town
05.2022 - Current


Conducting and contributing to scientific research, including physical, chemical, microbiological, and hydrobiological analyses of water samples from different water bodies according to the standard operating procedures and applicable national and international standard methods, including the Chlorophyll-a test and Chlorophyll-665 method, as well as the Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) for microcystins.


Eco-toxicity test methods (Daphnia magna toxicity test, Aliivibrio fischeri toxicity test, and algal growth inhibition toxicity test method) SASS5 (South African Scoring System version 5) assessments.


Conducting SASS5 (South African Scoring System version 5) assessments to evaluate the impact of final effluents on rivers within the city of Cape Town, both upstream and downstream of discharge points. This critical task directly contributes to the assessment of water quality and ecological health, which, in turn, informs the Blue Drop and Green Drop status of the City of Cape Town. By providing comprehensive data on the ecological impact of effluent discharge, I play a pivotal role in supporting the city's efforts to maintain high water quality standards and sustainable management practices in line with integrated water resources management principles.


Groundwater Monitoring Assessment.

➢ Conducting a comprehensive assessment of groundwater monitoring practices in the City of Cape Town cemeteries, focusing on the management and protection of groundwater resources.

➢ Using GIS to create maps of cemetery sites, including wells and monitoring infrastructure. Evaluated infrastructure condition and ensured proper management.

➢ Identifying key parameters for groundwater analysis (pH, turbidity, dissolved oxygen, nitrate).

➢ Assessing monitoring frequency to meet industry standards and regulations.

➢ Collecting and analyzing groundwater samples.

➢ Reviewing existing data and reports on groundwater quality.

➢ Conducting site visits, utilizing GIS for contamination source evaluation.

➢ Collaborating with various scientists and GIS specialists to identify gaps in monitoring programs and recommend improvements.

➢ Raising awareness of groundwater monitoring and management.

➢ Contributing to the protection and management of groundwater resources through comprehensive assessment, GIS utilization, and recommendation development for City of Cape Town cemeteries.


Health and Safety Representative

➢ Conducting monthly health and safety inspections, promoting a culture of safety, developing and implementing safety policies and procedures, conducting risk assessments, providing training and education, investigating and reporting incidents, ensuring equipment and facility safety, and preparing for emergencies.

Graduate Trainee: Scientist

City of Cape Town
12.2020 - 04.2022
  • Company Overview: Scientific Services
  • Scientific Services


Conducting and contributing to scientific research, including physical, chemical, microbiological, and hydro-biological analysis of water samples from different water bodies according to the standard operating procedures and applicable national and international standard methods.

➢ Chlorophyll-a test method, ELISA, and eco-toxicity test methods.

➢ Conduct SASS5 (South African Scoring System version 5) assessments to evaluate the impact of final effluents on rivers within the city of Cape Town.

➢ Conducting a comprehensive assessment of groundwater monitoring practices in City of Cape Town cemeteries, focusing on the management and protection of groundwater resources.

➢ Conduct groundwater sampling and water quality analysis in Table Mountain Group Aquifer boreholes and Cape Flats Aquifer boreholes.

➢ Analyze hydrogeological data from these aquifers to understand groundwater dynamics and characteristics.

Geoscience Mapping Intern

Council for Geoscience
10.2020 - 11.2020

› Core logging
› Core transferring
› Operating hyperspectral core scanner
› Geoscience field mapping

Spatial Information Technologist Trainee

AAM Geospatial (Pty) Ltd.
10.2019 - 03.2020

› Orthophoto Maps Image Editing and Enhancement
› Quality control of digital mapping production
› Data capturing and Change Detection

Geoscientist Intern

Tip Trans Resources
07.2018 - 10.2018

› Updating Tip Trans databases.
› Summarising construction minerals target areas.
› Assisting consultants with environmental reports (Basic Assessment & Environmental Impact Assessment Report).

Research Project Assistant

Kolkiesrivier Gypsum Mine (Organiworx)
06.2015 - 12.2015

Academic Tutor

University of the Western Cape
02.2013 - 10.2014

Education

MSc - Integrated Water Resource Management (Cum Laude)

University of the Free State
01.2022 - 01.2023

BSc Honours - Geohydrology

University of the Free State

BSc Honours - Geology

University of the Free State
01.2016 - 01.2018

BSc - Applied Geology

University of the Western Cape
01.2012 - 01.2015

National Senior Certificate (Matric) - undefined

Thengwe High School

Skills

    Strong technical expertise

  • Water quality assessment
  • SASS5 assessment expertise
  • Groundwater analysis
  • Eco-toxicity assessment
  • GIS mapping expertise
  • Research proficiency

  • Field research management
  • Report writing
  • Policy evaluation
  • Integrated water resources management
  • Scientific writing expertise
  • Integrated project and operations management

  • Data visualisation & map creation
  • Communication & Interpersonal

  • Technical reporting & presentations
  • Workshop and meeting participation
  • Stakeholder engagement
  • Teamwork and collaboration

    Leadership & Personal Skills

  • Health & safety leadership
  • Initiative and accountability
  • Multidisciplinary collaboration
  • Continuous learning and development
  • Field logistics & equipment procurement
  • Team coordination
  • Time & risk management
  • ISO/IEC 17025 compliance
  • Regulatory & Compliance

  • SANS 241 standards
  • Wastewater and pollution control
  • Water law & governance
  • OHS Act 85 of 1993 (Health & Safety)
  • Digital & Computer Skills

  • ArcGIS, remote sensing
  • MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
  • Basic Python & R

Awards And Interests

  • Awarded Best Mini Dissertation for MSc Thesis
  • Nominated group leader on multiple occasions
  • Captain and treasurer of local soccer team in high school
  • Personal interests: football, hiking, travel, and exploring new cultures

Short Courses And Training

  • Water Governance (Law), Carin Bosman Sustainable Solutions
  • SASS5 Aquatic Biomonitoring, Freshwater Research Centre
  • Water Quality Management and Risk Assessment, Glance Corporate Solutions
  • Groundwater in Transboundary Aquifers, UNESCO
  • Spatial Data Science, Cartography, and ArcGIS Training, Esri South Africa
  • 4x4 Training, HE & SHE Driver Centre

References

Dr. Shane Nethenzheni

Supervisor

City of Cape Town – Scientific Services

Tel. 082 782 3727


Dr. Nicolette Vermaak

Mentor (MSc Supervisor)

University of the Free State

Tel. 082 447 8787


Mr. Brandon Wynne

Supervisor

City of Cape Town – Scientific Services

Tel. 084 292 4301


Dr. Thomas Muedi

Former Supervisor

Council for Geoscience

Tel. 060 819 7836



Timeline

Laboratory Technician

City of Cape Town
05.2022 - Current

MSc - Integrated Water Resource Management (Cum Laude)

University of the Free State
01.2022 - 01.2023

Graduate Trainee: Scientist

City of Cape Town
12.2020 - 04.2022

Geoscience Mapping Intern

Council for Geoscience
10.2020 - 11.2020

Spatial Information Technologist Trainee

AAM Geospatial (Pty) Ltd.
10.2019 - 03.2020

Geoscientist Intern

Tip Trans Resources
07.2018 - 10.2018

BSc Honours - Geology

University of the Free State
01.2016 - 01.2018

Research Project Assistant

Kolkiesrivier Gypsum Mine (Organiworx)
06.2015 - 12.2015

Academic Tutor

University of the Western Cape
02.2013 - 10.2014

BSc - Applied Geology

University of the Western Cape
01.2012 - 01.2015

BSc Honours - Geohydrology

University of the Free State

National Senior Certificate (Matric) - undefined

Thengwe High School
Thendo MathivhaLaboratory Technician