Zipho Tyoda
Director Earth Observation And Geospatial Technology
Pretoria, Gauteng
Summary
Seasoned professional In Earth sciences with a distinguished career in research and development, policy engagement, and science diplomacy. Holds a Bachelor's degree in Earth Sciences, an Honours degree in Geology, and a Master's degree in GIS and Remote Sensing. Currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Geotechnical Engineering. A multidisciplinary background in geology, geochemistry, geographic information systems, geotechnical engineering, and Earth observation technologies demonstrates a proven track record of leadership in integrated scientific and policy solutions. Exceptional ability to navigate complex interfaces between research, international collaboration, and policy frameworks has established a pivotal role in global initiatives addressing pressing environmental and developmental challenges.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
4058
4058
years of post-secondary education
Work History
Professional Sabbatical
University of Nottingham
Nottingham
01.2023 - 11.2023
- Lectured foundation chemistry at the University of Nottingham.
- Senior Invigilator, reviewing MRes and PhD thesis at the University of Nottingham.
Founder and CEO
KaTZ Smart
Pretoria, Gauteng
04.2020 - 01.2023
- Developed geospatial solar potential and windfarm products and also a methane monitoring tool.
- Forged strategic alliances with international Universities to perform innovative Research & Development.
- Developed strong partnerships with other businesses to allow for collaboration and more significant opportunities for growth.
- Established a successful business by identifying market needs and developing innovative solutions.
Deputy Director: Earth Observations
Department of Science and Technology
Pretoria, Gauteng
10.2014 - 03.2020
- Managed complex projects, ensuring delivery within scope, budget, and timelines.
- Conducted performance assessments to drive continuous improvement and project success.
- Led the R50 million initiative to develop a comprehensive ocean and coastal decision support tools.
- Directed the R10 million project to establish a mercury monitoring network in South Africa, recognized internationally as a best-performing initiative.
- Oversaw the R60 million upgrade for Space Weather centre to enhance forecasting capabilities and resilience to space weather events.
- Spearheaded improvements to the SANSA Data Centre, modernizing infrastructure to support advanced data storage and processing.
- Represented South Africa at 11 high level international conferences, showcasing national expertise and fostering collaboration.
- Cultivated a positive work environment that fostered employee engagement, increased retention rates, and boosted overall team morale.
- Developed high-performing teams by providing mentorship, guidance, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Appointed Acting Director from June 2019 to March 2020.
Board Member and Co-Chair
Group on Earth Observations
Geneva
10.2014 - 03.2020
- Played a key role in high-level negotiations that led to the establishment of the Digital Earth Africa platform, enhancing geospatial data access across the continent.
- Led international negotiations to secure open access to ALOS-1 and ALOS-2 satellite data from the Japanese Space Agency and Gaofen satellite data from China.
- These agreements resulted in substantial cost savings for member states and expanded the availability of critical Earth observation data for research, policy, and development use.
- Served as advocate and ambassador for organization by fully engaging, identifying, and securing resources and partnerships to advance mission.
- Served as interim lead for AfriGEO, organizing the 3rd symposium in Libreville, Gabon , to promote regional Earth Observations initiative.
Lecturer
Tshwane University of Technology
Pretoria, Gauteng
08.2012 - 09.2014
- Lectured mineralogy, stratigraphy, economic and exploration geology, and GIS.
- Management of the mineralogy lab.
- Conduct Field excursions.
- Evaluated student progress through regular assessments, providing detailed feedback for improvement and growth.
- Created and designed quizzes, tests and projects to assess student knowledge.
Intern GIS Geologist
Council for Geosciences
Bellville
01.2011 - 06.2012
- Part of the team that was tasked to develop a Geohazard Observations Atlas for South Africa Using GIS and Remote Sensing.
- Supported staff members in their daily tasks, reducing workload burden and allowing for increased focus on higher-priority assignments.
- Gained valuable experience working within a specific industry, applying learned concepts directly into relevant work situations.
Education
Ph.D. - Civil Engineering & Built Environment
University of Johannesburg*
Johannesburg, South Africa12-2027
Master of Science - Geography and Environmental Studies
Stellenbosch University
Stellenbosch, South Africa 04.2001 - 03.2013
BSc: Honors - Applied & Economic Geology
Stellenbosch University
Stellenbosch, South Africa12-2010
Bachelor of Science - Geology: Earth Science
Stellenbosch University
Stellenbosch, South Africa 04.2001 - 01.2010
Skills
Interests
Reading
Travelling
Community Involvement
Professional Development And Training
- CODATA-Chinese Academy of Sciences International Training Workshop, Beijing, Big Data for Science, 2015-07-04
- eResearch Africa, University of Cape Town, Exploring methods for management of research data and archiving, 2019-01-01
- Introduction to Earth Observation, Stellenbosch University, Principles and applications of Earth Observations, 2011-01-01
- Neurolinguistic Programming, Ongoing
- Conscious Leadership, Ongoing
Awards
- Geospatial World 50 Rising Stars, 2021
- Mail and Guardian 200 Young South Africans, 2019
- SADC The Young Independents Top 100 Trailblazers, 2018
- ESRI Young Scholar Award Finalist, 2013
- Society of South African Geographers; Runner up-Best GIS and Remote sensing presentation, 2012
Timeline
Professional Sabbatical
University of Nottingham
01.2023 - 11.2023
Founder and CEO
KaTZ Smart
04.2020 - 01.2023
Deputy Director: Earth Observations
Department of Science and Technology
10.2014 - 03.2020
Board Member and Co-Chair
Group on Earth Observations
10.2014 - 03.2020
Lecturer
Tshwane University of Technology
08.2012 - 09.2014
Intern GIS Geologist
Council for Geosciences
01.2011 - 06.2012
Master of Science - Geography and Environmental Studies
Stellenbosch University
04.2001 - 03.2013
Bachelor of Science - Geology: Earth Science
Stellenbosch University
04.2001 - 01.2010
Ph.D. - Civil Engineering & Built Environment
University of Johannesburg*
BSc: Honors - Applied & Economic Geology
Stellenbosch University
Similar Profiles
Mason LovattMason Lovatt
Research assistant at University of NottinghamResearch assistant at University of Nottingham
Long Yat ChanLong Yat Chan
PASS Leader at University of NottinghamPASS Leader at University of Nottingham
Penelope LohrerPenelope Lohrer
Research Fellow at University of NottinghamResearch Fellow at University of Nottingham
BUSISIWE NKABIDNEBUSISIWE NKABIDNE
Personal Assistant to Matron at Kowa Pienaar SAVFPersonal Assistant to Matron at Kowa Pienaar SAVF
Lydia Kegomoditswe TlhakanyeLydia Kegomoditswe Tlhakanye
Collections Consultant at Nedbank LtdCollections Consultant at Nedbank Ltd