While it’s critical to stand up for oneself, women should also embrace the power of their femininity.
According to Nomfundo Tshabalala, director-general of the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE),
“We need to keep asserting our worth and capabilities without compromising our femininity as we continue to face different challenges while carrying out our various responsibilities.”
A typical workday for the accounting officer at the DFFE entails numerous meetings, problem-solving, and administrative tasks. She finds satisfaction in her work as a public servant.
The DG who assumed the position in February 2021 claims that “life as a public servant is gratifying, given that you are serving the inhabitants of South Africa and working towards the development of people’s livelihoods.”
It has its challenges, just like most things in life.
Being a public servant comes with “equally as many problems, and one has to work hard and find solutions to overcome these difficulties every day,” she says.
Despite this, the department’s mandate and primary task of monitoring, safeguarding, and conserving South Africa’s environment and natural resources are still being carried out.
Achievements
One of the notable events since her arrival at the department is the submission of South Africa’s Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).
“The updated NDC will be finalised and submitted to support South Africa’s achievement of the goals outlined in the National Climate Change Response Policy (2011), and its implementation will be South Africa’s fair contribution to the global effort to address the climate change crisis and fulfil South Africa’s applicable obligations under the Paris Agreement.”
The agency declared that it would submit the amended NDC to the UNFCCC in September 2021.
The NDC symbolises South Africa’s participation in international initiatives to cut greenhouse gas emissions and slow global warming.
She also views the department’s success in introducing South Africa’s Climate Change Bill into Parliament on February 18, 2022, as a plus.
This was published on June 8, 2018, more than three years after a previous draught of the Bill was made available for public comment.
The bill is being processed as planned. In the context of sustainable development, it is a component of the effort to pass legislative measures for the creation of an efficient response to climate change and a long-term, just transition to a low-carbon and climate-resilient economy and society for South Africa.
She also draws attention to the report of the High Level Panel (HLP), which was formed to study legislation, policies, and practises relating to the care, handling, and trade of elephants, lions, leopards, and rhinoceroses.
The report’s recommendations were motivated by the need to halt careless, inhumane, and unsustainable behaviours that seriously damage South Africa’s reputation, as well as to offer policy certainty, legislative coherence, and a strong foundation for conservation, growth, and development.
The report’s recommendations were also influenced by the repositioning of South Africa as a pioneer in conservation, the promotion of Africa’s unity and coherence with regard to these species, and the need to more effectively balance the needs of the nation’s natural, social, and cultural heritages, among other things.
Lessons gained
Tshabalala, who has a Bachelor of Science in Economics and Accounting, a Master of Science with a focus on Development Finance, as well as an MBL, reviewed the lessons discovered along the route.
“One of the lessons we’ve learned is that change is a constant process that doesn’t happen overnight. To be able to carry out our important programmes, we need to make sure that crucial positions are filled despite our competent workers.
She continues by saying that maintaining constant communication with stakeholders is also crucial.
“Environmental issues are interconnected, and intergovernmental links need to be strengthened so that, as a government, we can use our combined energies and resources for high-level effect and synergies and prevent duplication of effort.”
Leadership
The department has qualified, experienced employees who are leaders in their primary environmental specialties.
“It is my responsibility to channel this vigour and offer strategic guidance in order to increase governance and compliance with governmental directives. My main goal is to create a culture of accountability and leadership for change, she says.
President Cyril Ramaphosa stated that more than 60% of the nation’s public officials are women in his Women’s Day address to the country earlier this month.
As the DG, Tshabalala collaborates closely with Deputy Minister Makhotso Sotyu and Minister Barbara Creecy. The two leaders approach their work “extremely hands on.” They give me a supportive environment to carry out my responsibilities as the accounting officer, she claims. ‘
Considering the future
While much has been done to address problems like unemployment, the plague of gender-based violence, and poverty, according to Tshabalala, more has to be done.
“While there has been a lot done to address these concerns, more has to be done.
Women’s concerns continue to be a challenge that requires attention despite the numerous interventions the government has made, including various legislation, policies, and frameworks for the empowerment of women in government.
“We must continue to actively empower and inspire women to become strong, capable leaders who are an integral component of constructing a competent, ethical, and developing government. Tshabalala declares that in order for us to advance together, we must leave no woman behind.