GreenCape is pleased to announce the appointment of our new Project Officer, Samantha van Schalkwyk.
What is your background expertise and how does it relate to your role here at GreenCape?
I completed my undergrad and postgrad at the University of the Western Cape, graduating with a Masters degree in Geography and Environmental Studies. I started my career as an Environmental Policy Strategy Assistant as part of the City of Cape Town Urban Sustainability Internship Programme. I moved to ICLEI Africa to work as a Biodiversity-Nature-based Solutions Assistant. Soon after, I joined SANBI as a Research Assistant and now I am at GreenCape as a Project Officer.
My background in Geography and Environmental Studies, diverse experience in the environmental sector and eagerness to learn and move forward in my career is the reason why I decided to join GreenCape. Based on my experience and knowledge, I have research, database management, administrative, planning and organizing skills which I can apply in my current position.
I joined GreenCape with the aim to learn and to grow my career. There are different sectors in the organisation and I have a diverse background in the environmental field. I can apply those skills in my current position.
What have been your favourite thing about GreenCape so far?
My favourite thing about GreenCape so far is the warm welcome I have received from my colleagues. Everyone is very supportive and generous when I ask for something that I am unsure of. What strikes me the most is that there are processes in place that are helpful for newcomers.
What project have you been working on as you start your role here at GreenCape?
I will be working on the Mpumalanga project. At the moment, I am familiarising myself with the different processes. I look forward to seeing the project take off. I believe that as I immerse myself with this role my contributions will be valuable.
Why do you do what you do?
Since high school my favourite subject has always been Geography. When I got to university, I realised that this is something that I can pursue as the environmental field offers different career opportunities, which I can explore while making a positive impact. I am also someone who is curious to find out what is happening in other environmental sectors. I job shadowed some of these sectors before, including the beach amenities coordinator and at the COCT I would go with branches on site visits (e.g coastal management branch).
I am passionate about this field because it allows one to explore other avenues as well which is important to increase knowledge and skills. I have so much passion for what I am doing, I tutored younger students in our department. I do what I do because I want to pass on information and knowledge to people who come after me. This is important for me because that will mean the practicality of the work we do in our field is sustained.
What impact do you hope to achieve?
I hope to use my skills beyond the role that I am appointed for. I would like to make an impact in other sectors, particularly waste and water. I am a curious person, so I like learn more about other sectors projects and also where I can apply my skills to their work.
What do you get up to on you spare time?
During lockdown I started planting veggies which ended up failing. I do need a gardening buddy who is into vegetables. My garden currently consists of succulent plants. I enjoy baking, traveling and spending time family.
