At the heart of the Temvelo Environmental Awards is a commitment to recognizing and celebrating outstanding achievements in environmental conservation and sustainability. These awards honor the incredible individuals, organizations, and initiatives that are making a significant impact in protecting our planet and promoting a sustainable future.
This event would not be possible without the support of our dedicated sponsors, whose generosity and vision help make these awards a reality. We are also thrilled to have a lineup of exceptional speakers who bring their expertise, passion, and insights to the conversation on environmental change. Together, they help us shine a spotlight on the importance of environmental stewardship and inspire action towards a greener future.
On this page, we are proud to introduce our esteemed sponsors and speakers, whose contributions are integral to the success of the Temvelo Environmental Awards. Their commitment to sustainability and environmental justice inspires us all to do more for the world around us.
Speakers
Peter Ndoro
We are honored to welcome Peter Ndoro as the keynote speaker for the Temvelo Environmental Awards.
Peter is an accomplished journalist and broadcaster with a remarkable career spanning over two decades in the media industry.
Known for his dynamic presentation style and insightful reporting, he has become one of Africa’s most respected and influential media personalities. Throughout his career, Peter has worked for some of the world’s most prominent news organizations, including BBC World News, CNN International, and Al Jazeera, where he has anchored and reported on a variety of significant global events.
However, Peter’s influence extends far beyond the newsroom. Over the years, he has used his platform to highlight pressing environmental issues, advocating for sustainable practices and climate change awareness. His deep understanding of both the global and local environmental challenges has positioned him as a leading voice in the field of environmental media. Whether it’s through his news broadcasts or his various speaking engagements, Peter is passionate about raising awareness on the urgent need for action against climate change, deforestation, pollution, and other ecological threats.
As a prominent environmental advocate, Peter has been involved in numerous campaigns that encourage individuals, businesses, and governments to take meaningful steps toward protecting the environment. He is a staunch supporter of eco-friendly innovations and believes that the media plays a crucial role in shaping public perception about sustainability and environmental responsibility. Through his career, he has consistently emphasized the importance of education and communication in driving the global movement towards sustainable development.
In addition to his work as a journalist, Peter’s leadership and involvement in various environmental initiatives reflect his unwavering commitment to the planet’s future. His passion for the environment and his belief in the power of collective action make him an ideal speaker for this prestigious event, where we celebrate the leaders and visionaries shaping a sustainable future.
We are thrilled to have Peter Ndoro as a part of the Temvelo Environmental Awards and look forward to the inspiration he will share with our audience.
Emmanuel Dumisani Dlamini
Emmanuel Dumisani Dlamini is a male, now retired. All his working life, covering a period of over thirty years was in the public sector in the field of environment, climate science, climate change and meteorology. His multidisciplinary education background that includes Physics, Mathematics, education, meteorology and computer science has given him additional insight into the understanding of the science of weather and climate change, mitigation, impacts, adaptation assessment and plan of action, resilient, climate change capacity building, climate change public awareness, education and training, technology needs and development for climate change and climate change policy frameworks and strategic plan of action.
His growth in the public sector and climate change policy framework led him to the level of Principal Secretary, chair of African Group of Negotiators and chair of both permanent Subsidiary Bodies of the UN Framework Convention of Climate Change (UNFCCC) has given him exposure to all levels of policy makers and policy decision processes at regional and international level, giving him an outstanding understanding of such climate change policy frameworks and governing systems.
JL Mahlangu
JL Mahlangu is a seasoned business leader, political figure, and social innovator with a wealth of experience spanning over four decades. He is renowned for his deep understanding of governance, leadership, and trend forecasting. His expertise has influenced industries such as agriculture, construction, property development, and environmental sustainability.
Key Achievements:
- 40 years in business leadership.
- 28 years in legislative and governmental executive roles.
- 20 years of social research expertise.
- Played a pivotal role in government oversight, lawmaking, and public engagement.
- Championed agricultural innovation, environmental protection, and food security.
- Provided expert advice across political, corporate, and religious sectors.
- Fostered collaboration and empowered communities around impactful ideas.
Notable Roles:
Provincial President, National African Farmers Union (NAFU).
Chairman, Farmer Empowerment Agriculture Development & Transformation (FEADT_SA).
Chairman, Mpumalanga Economic Growth Agency (MEGA).
Former MEC for various government sectors, including Economic Development and Environmental Affairs.
Founder of key initiatives such as Greening Mpumalanga and the cleanest town initiative.
Advocate for women in construction and an influential cultural contributor.
JL’s leadership is characterized by humility, innovation, and a commitment to continuous learning, making him a sought-after thought leader and collaborator across industries. He was honored with the Lion of Africa Award in Leadership from the US Black Congressional Caucus, alongside Governor Andrew Young, recognizing his exceptional contributions to leadership.
Xolani Mpila
Information Technologist & Project Management Specialist
Profile:
Xolani Mpila is an experienced Information Technologist with a strong focus on fact-finding, designing, and implementing innovative solutions. With a solid background in project management, he has successfully contributed to a range of industries, including human resources management, recruitment, labor relations, property management, game farming, and financial management. Xolani is highly skilled in budgeting, procurement, logistics, and asset management, including fleet management, and he is well-versed in facilitating workshops, meetings, and training sessions. His expertise in coordinating and enforcing ethical practices, coupled with his strong leadership and customer relations skills, makes him an invaluable asset in any project.
Key Skills:
- Project Management
- Decision Making & Problem Solving
- Leadership & Interpersonal Skills
- Solution Design & Service-Focused Approach
- Report Writing & Client Relations
- Ethical Practices & Training Facilitation
With extensive experience across multiple industries and strong leadership in various roles, Xolani continues to make impactful contributions to organizations, ensuring the effective management and delivery of solutions.
Mr. Mandla Sibiya
SEDFA Mpumalanga Provincial Manager
Profile:
Mr. Mandla Sibiya is the Mpumalanga Provincial Manager for the Small Enterprise Development & Finance Agency (Sedfa), bringing over 30 years of experience in finance, investments, and entrepreneurial development. With qualifications as an Accountant and a Master’s in Business Leadership, he leads the coordination and performance of Sedfa’s provincial operations, ensuring impactful support for small, micro, and medium enterprises (SMMEs). He drives provincial planning, stakeholder engagement, and collaborates with government, municipalities, and local communities to foster sustainable entrepreneurship and job creation.
Key Skills:
- Strategic Leadership: Proven ability to lead and manage teams, driving performance across multiple branches and ensuring consistent service delivery.
- Enterprise Development: Expertise in supporting and developing small, micro, and medium enterprises (SMMEs) for sustainable growth and competitiveness.
- Stakeholder Engagement: Strong ability to build and maintain relationships with government bodies, municipalities, industry partners, and local communities to foster collaboration.
- Financial Management & Investment: Extensive experience in finance, investments, and business management, with a focus on supporting entrepreneurship.
- Policy Insight: In-depth understanding of economic and entrepreneurial policies, with a focus on inclusive growth and job creation.
- Business Leadership: Strong academic background with a Master’s in Business Leadership, combined with practical experience in organizational development and management.
- Results-Driven Approach: Commitment to achieving measurable outcomes and driving economic impact through strategic initiatives and effective leadership.
- Inclusive Leadership: Focused on creating equitable opportunities and empowering diverse stakeholders for long-term community and business growth.
Known for his inclusive leadership, policy insight, and results-driven approach, Mr. Sibiya is committed to transforming the provincial entrepreneurial landscape and building a vibrant, competitive economy through enterprise development.
Dr Nicollete Mhlanga-Ndlovu
Executive: Resources Management, Inkomati-Usuthu Catchment Management Agency (IUCMA)
Profile:
Dr. Nicollete Mhlanga-Ndlovu, fondly known as Dr Nic, is the Executive responsible for Resources Management at the Inkomati-Usuthu Catchment Management Agency (IUCMA). With over two decades of extensive experience across the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and East African Community (EAC) regions, she has firmly established herself as a leading environmental scientist and policy development practitioner.
Dr. Mhlanga-Ndlovu holds a PhD in Environmental Science, specializing in sustainable environmental management, climate change adaptation, disaster risk reduction, and integrated water resources management. Her professional journey is characterized by a passionate commitment to promoting environmental stewardship and sustainable development — principles she believes are foundational to securing a livable future for both people and the planet.
Throughout her career, Dr. Nic has played a pivotal role in shaping policy frameworks that prioritize the balanced use of natural resources. She advocates for a holistic approach to development, warning that unchecked resource exploitation threatens to trigger crises in food, water, energy, public health, and climate. In her view, the urgency of the climate crisis demands immediate and coordinated action to address land degradation, water pollution, rising waste levels, and the increasing frequency of disasters.
A strategic thinker and influential voice in environmental governance, Dr. Mhlanga-Ndlovu continues to drive impactful change through her leadership at the IUCMA, helping communities and institutions navigate the complexities of environmental challenges with resilience, foresight, and sustainability at the core.
Mr Luvuyo Jongile
Executive: Communications and Stakeholder Relations
Profile:
Mr. Luvuyo Jongile is a seasoned communications strategist with over 15 years of experience across both the private and public sectors. Currently serving as an Executive in the communications space, he brings a wealth of expertise in stakeholder engagement, media relations, and integrated communication solutions that drive institutional visibility and public trust.
Holding a Master’s degree in Communication Science, Mr. Jongile has led dynamic national and regional campaigns, crafted high-impact messaging frameworks, and navigated complex communication landscapes for several high-profile institutions. His career spans influential roles at the Department of Human Settlements, the Small Enterprise Development & Finance Agency (SEFDA), the South African Local Government Association (SALGA), and global consulting firm PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC).
Mr. Jongile is widely respected for his ability to align communication strategies with organizational goals while fostering meaningful stakeholder dialogue. A strategic thinker and an agile leader, he is passionate about harnessing the power of communication to enhance transparency, enable citizen participation, and strengthen public confidence in institutional processes.
Through his leadership, Mr. Jongile continues to shape progressive communication ecosystems that connect people, policies, and purpose — ensuring that strategic engagement remains at the heart of development and service delivery.
Mr. MC Morolo
Head of Department: Mpumalanga Department of Public Works, Roads & Transport
Non-Executive Director: Eco-Intelli Advisory Services & Mbumbano Investment Holdings
Profile:
Mr. MC Morolo is a distinguished public sector executive and economist with over 22 years of post-graduate experience, including 18 years in senior management. Currently serving as the Head of the Mpumalanga Department of Public Works, Roads & Transport, he oversees the strategic planning and delivery of infrastructure services that are vital to regional development and public mobility.
Armed with a robust academic foundation, Mr. Morolo holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA), an MSc in Financial Economics, a BA Honours Degree in Economics, a Postgraduate Diploma in Public and Development Management, and specialist diplomas in Economic Impact Assessment and Central Banking. This strong interdisciplinary background has shaped his ability to lead at the intersection of finance, policy, and infrastructure.
Throughout his extensive career, Mr. Morolo has held a variety of influential roles in institutions such as the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC), Magalies Water, the Gauteng Economic Development Agency (GEDA), and the Gauteng Provincial Government. His responsibilities have ranged from economic policy design and strategic advisory services to heading regulatory bodies and managing large-scale infrastructure programmes.
He has also contributed significantly to corporate governance as a Council Member of Statistics South Africa (Stats SA), and as a Non-Executive Director at the Gauteng Manufacturing Advisory Centre (GAUMAC) and the Lesotho Highlands Development Authority (LHDA), where he also chaired the Audit & Risk Subcommittee.
Mr. Morolo’s work has had both national and international reach. He has represented South Africa on investment and knowledge-sharing missions to countries including the United States, Canada, Brazil, Israel, Germany, Italy, the Czech Republic, the United Kingdom, and Russia. These engagements have enriched his strategic outlook and reinforced his commitment to global best practices in infrastructure, public-private partnerships, and economic development.