Pheladi Tlhathla

Pheladi Tlhathla is a Cohort 4 Umholi we Africa Fellow, currently serving as Joint Basin Survey IV (JBS IV) Coordinator for the Orange-Senqu River Commission (ORASECOM), where she contributes to collaborative efforts that support the sustainable management of one of Southern Africa’s most important shared river basins. 

An environmental researcher and project manager, Pheladi brings extensive experience at the intersection of sustainable development, climate policy, environmental management, and science-driven collaboration. Her work spans Africa and Europe, with a strong focus on translating research and technical expertise into practical solutions for complex environmental and development challenges. 

Before joining ORASECOM, Pheladi was based in Berlin, where she served as a Researcher at the Federal Institute for Materials Research and Testing under Germany’s Federal Ministry of Economics and Energy. In this role, she coordinated binational initiatives addressing sustainability in areas including materials, urbanisation, energy, and climate change. She also facilitated collaboration among governments, research institutions, industry stakeholders, and other partners. 

Earlier in her career, Pheladi worked with the South African Climate Action Network, supporting policy dialogues, community-based capacity building, and multi-stakeholder engagement. As a Junior Environmental Consultant, she contributed to environmental impact assessments, compliance monitoring, and public participation processes for major infrastructure projects. 

Pheladi holds an MSc in Environmental Management from the University of Pretoria, where her research examined renewable energy solutions for energy-poor communities. She also brings technical expertise in GIS and data analysis using Python, R, and SPSS, strengthening her ability to support evidence-based policy and decision-making. 

A recipient of the prestigious Green Talents Award, Pheladi has contributed to research and publications on circular economy practices and sustainable construction in Africa. 

Through her fellowship and professional work, she is committed to advancing inclusive, science-informed approaches to environmental sustainability and strengthening collaboration across borders for Africa’s shared future.