My name is Samkelisiwe Dlamini, an environmental and sustainability professional with over 16 years of experience across government and the private sector in South Africa. My career has been dedicated to environmental impact assessment, biodiversity protection, climate change adaptation, and supporting sustainable development pathways that benefit both people and nature.

In 2025, I was retrenched, which forced me to pause, reflect, and rebuild. During this period, I made the difficult but intentional decision to further invest in my academic and professional development by registering at Stellenbosch University for the 2026 academic year. This step is critical for strengthening my technical expertise, leadership capacity, and ability to contribute meaningfully to South Africa’s environmental governance, renewable energy transition, and sustainability agenda.

To complete my registration, I need R45,000. Through the generosity of family, friends, and colleagues, I have already managed to raise R10,000, for which I am deeply grateful. I am now seeking support to raise the remaining R35,000 required to secure my place at Stellenbosch University.

How the funds will be used:

Registration and tuition fees

Academic administration costs

Essential learning materials

This academic opportunity will directly strengthen my ability to:

Support environmentally responsible development

Contribute to renewable energy and Just Energy Transition initiatives

Advance biodiversity protection and climate resilience projects

Mentor and support emerging professionals in the sustainability sector

Every contribution, no matter the size, will bring me one step closer to completing my registration and continuing my work in service of sustainable development in South Africa. If you are unable to donate, sharing this campaign within your networks would also be deeply appreciated.

Thank you for your kindness, belief, and support. Your contribution is not only an investment in my education, but in the broader impact this work will continue to have on communities, ecosystems, and future generations.

With sincere gratitude,
Samkelisiwe Dlamini