Sisa Xabanisa

Environmental Manager with over 12 years of progressive experience in environmental management, compliance, and climate change initiatives. Proven expertise in conducting Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs), ensuring regulatory compliance, and providing technical guidance to developers, government bodies, and communities. Skilled in integrating sustainability and ESG principles into strategic and operational planning, with practical experience in climate risk assessments, carbon footprint analysis, and climate resilience initiatives.

Strong stakeholder engagement and project management capabilities, with experience leading multidisciplinary teams, facilitating capacity-building workshops, and representing organisations in environmental and climate forums. Adept at implementing environmental management systems (ISO 14001, ISO 45001, ISO 9001), policies, and programmes that drive sustainable development and regulatory adherence. Proficient in geospatial and remote sensing tools (ArcGIS Pro, QGIS, SWAT), enabling data-driven environmental monitoring, spatial analysis, and strategic decision-making.

Committed to ethical environmental stewardship, continuous improvement, and delivering actionable solutions to complex environmental, sustainability, and climate challenges. Recognised for combining technical expertise with strategic vision to advance organisational sustainability performance and regional climate action initiatives.

Environmental Manager - Coega Development Corporation - Gqeberha

(2022-05)

• Support the Unit Head: SHEQ in implementing health, safety, and environmental (SHEQ) principles across all CDC operations and projects.
• Ensure adherence to Environmental Authorisations (EA) by monitoring and enforcing compliance with statutory conditions and CDC-specific environmental requirements.
• Provide environmental and technical guidance for CDC projects, including planning, risk management, and mitigation of environmental impacts.
• Lead the development, implementation, and maintenance of environmental objectives, targets, and management programs in line with organisational sustainability goals.
• Conduct Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs) and manage environmental compliance for CDC and client projects.
• Engage and communicate with various role-players, interested and affected parties (I&APs), and stakeholders to address concerns and ensure informed decision-making.
• Represent CDC in relevant environmental forums and industry networks to maintain visibility and foster collaboration.
• Support the Sustainability Business Unit and external programmes by providing expertise on environmental regulations, compliance requirements, and best practices.
• Oversee the integration of CDC policies, studies, and sustainability guidelines into all operational and project activities.
• Drive project management initiatives with a focus on environmental risk assessment, mitigation, and continuous improvement.
• Drive and promote the Coega Sustainability Knowledge and Awareness Programme.
• Project manage Coega Climate Change Assessments and provide insights into strategic planning for climate change related initiatives.
• Provide technical support for climate resilience and adaptation initiatives, including stakeholder engagement and coordination with government agencies, investors, and communities.
• Contribute to the development of climate mitigation and adaptation strategies, policies, and programmes to enhance CDC's sustainability performance.
• Integrate climate change considerations into environmental assessments, project planning, and operational risk management processes.
• Support investor and client projects in implementing climate-conscious practices, including energy efficiency, resource management, and sustainable development measures.
• Represent CDC in climate change forums, networks, and stakeholder engagements to strengthen partnerships and advance regional climate action initiatives.

Environmental Officer - Department of Economic Development, Environmental Affairs and Tourism - Matatiele

(2014-03 - 2022-04)

• Promote sustainable development by advising developers, government departments, and the public on environmental management practices and compliance with relevant norms, standards, and legislation.
• Review Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) applications and provide informed recommendations for Environmental Authorisations (EAs).
• Provide technical and procedural guidance to stakeholders on environmental regulations, procedures, and best practices.
• Conduct environmental awareness and educational sessions for communities, government departments, and higher education institutions to foster responsible environmental stewardship.
• Undertake proactive project screening to identify potential environmental risks, prevent pollution, and support sustainable development initiatives.
• Participate in stakeholder engagements, forums, and cooperative governance structures to ensure inclusive decision-making and compliance.
• Review, provide input, and comment on environmental plans, strategies, policies, and draft legislation to ensure alignment with sustainable development objectives.
• Conduct compliance monitoring and enforcement of Environmental Authorisations (EAs) and Environmental Management Programmes (EMPrs) to ensure regulatory adherence.
• Support the integration of environmental considerations into provincial development planning and sectoral projects.
• Collaborate with colleagues in the Environmental Quality Management Unit to strengthen environmental governance and reporting.

Environment and Risk In-service Training - Pretoria Portland Cement - Pretoria

(2011-01 - 2011-12)

• Supported environmental compliance monitoring and reporting for cement manufacturing operations, focusing on air quality, water use, waste management, and hazardous materials in alignment with national environmental legislation and permit conditions.
• Assisted in implementing environmental licenses and operational controls, including waste management procedures that promoted segregation, minimisation, and responsible disposal to meet internal sustainability targets.
• Contributed to the development and implementation of the site's Environmental Management System (EMS) in accordance with ISO 14001 standards, gaining practical experience in environmental governance, internal audits, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Participated in risk assessments and environmental impact reviews, identifying waste-related and operational risks and recommending corrective actions to enhance plant environmental performance.
• Supported initiatives to improve environmental awareness and compliance among operational staff, reinforcing sustainable practices on site.

Master of Philosophy - Environmental Studies - University of Fort Hare

Bachelor of Science Honours - Geography - University of Fort Hare

Baccalaureus Technologiae - Environmental Sciences - Tshwane University of Technology

National Diploma - Environmental Sciences - Tshwane University of Technology

National Senior Certificate - Butterworth High School