Margaret Lowies

I am an environmental scientist (SACNASP and EAPASA registered) currently employed by the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) in the position to Assistant Director in the Department’s Natural Resources Management Chief Directorate. My current role is that of Assistant Director for the Eastern Cape Working for Wetlands Programme in conjunction with the Expanded Public Works Programme. I have also been acting Assistant Director for the Western and Northern Cape provinces since April 2021.

I am currently also assisting the Environmental Programmes Infrastructure Projects with environmental compliance across various provinces, especially in sensitive and protected areas. Prior to my employment with DFFE I was employed (2010 – 2020) as an Environmental Specialist and later Associate at Aurecon (PTY) LTD (now Zutari (PTY) LTD) which is a multinational Engineering and Advisory firm. My highest qualification obtained is a M.Sc. degree in 2014 from the University of Johannesburg, specialising in the impact of various land uses on surface water quality.

My experience includes over ten years in numerous environmental related disciplines such as environmental impact assessment (EIA) processes, water use licence applications, waste licence applications, environmental compliance auditing, mining permit applications, wetland assessments, due diligence assessments and water quality assessments. My initial experience gained in a predominantly engineering focused firm has given me a unique understanding and consideration of engineering processes including design considerations, timelines, tender preparation and construction management. This allows for the application of knowledge and skills related to environmental sciences in a practical and hands-on manner that truly adds value to a project’s planning and execution.

In addition to my direct involvement in environmental sciences I am also very passionate about teaching. I lectured two subjects at the Nelson Mandela University (2016 - 2022). The subjects were offered through the Faculty of Engineering with one focusing on environmental management for engineers and the other on municipal solid waste management.

The programme terminated end 2022. I have also done various technical talks and training to a wide range of audiences.

Assistant Director - Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment

(2020-05)

Assistant Director in the Department’s Natural Resources Management Chief Directorate. Current role is Assistant Director for the Eastern Cape Working for Wetlands Programme in conjunction with the Expanded Public Works Programme. Acting Assistant Director for the Western and Northern Cape provinces since April 2021. Assisting the Environmental Programmes Infrastructure Projects with environmental compliance across various provinces, especially in sensitive and protected areas.

Environmental Scientist - Associate - Aurecon (PTY) LTD (now Zutari (PTY) LTD)

(2010-12 - 2020-04)

Environmental Specialist and later Associate at a multinational Engineering and Advisory firm.

External lecturer - Nelson Mandela University - South Africa

(2016-07 - 2022)

Lectured two subjects offered through the Faculty of Engineering: environmental management for engineers and municipal solid waste management.

• Moderator: B. Tech Urban Engineering 4th Year -Municipal Waste Management (2014)
• Lecturer: B. Tech Urban Engineering 4th Year -Municipal Waste Management (2016 – 2022)
• Lecturer: B. Tech Urban Engineering 4th Year -Environmental Management for Engineers (2017 – ongoing)

MSc - Geography - University of Johannesburg (UJ) (2014)

BSc - Geography (Hons) - University of Johannesburg (UJ) (2010)

BSc - Geography and Environmental Management - University of Johannesburg (UJ) (2008)