LEADERS IN THE PUBLIC SECTOR BY JESSIE TAYLOR
BUILDING
Biodiversity
THE MAN TASKED WITH PROTECTING SOUTH AFRICA’S NATURAL WEALTH
T
here is a new face of South Africa’s mission to preserve its biodiversity - and the newly appointed CEO of the South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) holds the responsibility of protecting some of the country’s richest ecosystems. Shonisani Munzhedzi has been newly appointed as CEO of SANBI, bringing with him a wealth of expertise in conservation and biodiversity management. In April, Cabinet approved the Board’s decision to appoint Munzhedzi as CEO, with both the Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Barbara Creecy, and Deputy Minister, Makhotso Sotyu, welcoming the appointment. Dedicated to conservation, The SANBI is an entity of the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment. It contributes to South Africa’s sustainable
20 | Public Sector Leaders | May 2021
development by facilitating access to biodiversity data, generating information and knowledge, building capacity, providing policy advice, showcasing and conserving biodiversity in its national botanical and zoological gardens.
SANBI’s work is key to the survival of the country’s immeasurable natural wealth Munzhedzi has been appointed amid a key public consultation process. The Revised National Biodiversity Framework 2019 to 2024, is an important policy instrument for the management and protection of species and ecosystems, is currently under public consultation, and SANBI is closely involved in the
preparation of the Framework and a bioregional or biodiversity management plan. The new CEO brings a wealth of experience to SANBI. He most recently held the position of Deputy DirectorGeneral: Biodiversity and Conservation in the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment. He has held positions in various public service environment and conservation portfolios for more than 26 years, including in areas of Climate Change Adaptation, Conservation and Biodiversity Management. Munzhedzi’s experience includes the post of Senior General Manager responsible for Environment and Tourism in the Limpopo Province, where he was responsible for the strategic management of disciplines such as conservation, protected areas management, waste management, scientific
