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
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