Zanele recently joined the Institute of Natural Resources NPC as a Scientist. She holds a Masters Degree in Geography from the University of KwaZulu-Natal. She is interested in river health management and the application of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to solve complex environmental problems, and promote sustainability and restoration. I am interested in working with spatial data; from collection in the field to mapping it out using different technologies and software. She published an article titled “Assessing the influence of bioclimatic and topographic variables on fire occurrence and frequency within the eThekwini Municipal Area” in a peer reviewed journal. Having worked on the Amanzi Ethu Nobuntu programme under the Duzi-Umngeni Conservation Trust and the Transformative Riverine Management Programme at eThekwini Municipality, she has gained experience in managing riverine systems which includes controlling alien invasive plants, solid waste management, and raising awareness through stakeholder engagements. She also has experience in river health assessment using citizen science tools such as miniSASS, clarity tube and velocity plank. Zanele will be working across the Ecosystems and the Agriculture and Rural Livelihoods Themes.